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AFL Central - June 2008

Polak out of intensive care

June 30th 2008 23:52
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak is believed to be suffering post-traumatic amnesia after waking from a medically induced coma in hospital yesterday.

Polak has shown some positive signs as he begins his long recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old woke from the coma yesterday and walked with help from his intensive care unit bed to have a shower.

He responded well to tests from doctors and answered "yes" when asked if he knew he was in hospital, but was unable to eat, and slept for most of the day.

Polak's brother, Troy, said the early signs of recovery were encouraging.


"From when I first got here on Sunday morning to now, it's been a vast improvement," Troy Polak said.

"He is opening his eyes and he's acknowledged his girlfriend, Alyce."

Polak was on Monday night moved out of intensive care and into a ward, a spokesman from The Alfred hospital, John Heselev, said.

The former Fremantle Docker was transferred out of the intensive care unit about 6.15pm (AEST) and is now in a satisfactory condition, he said.

It was initially feared that his injury could cause swelling to the brain but brain scans cleared him of any swelling.



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


Coughlan set to return

June 30th 2008 23:26
INJURY prone Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan looks set to make his return to football this weekend.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace said Coughlan was a strong chance of playing for the Tigers' VFL affiliate Coburg.

"I think he'll play this week," Wallace said.

"If he gets through training this week, he should be OK to go against Box Hill on Sunday."

Coughlan, a victim of two knee reconstructions, has not played at AFL level since round 12, 2006.

But it his hamstrings that have prevented him from playing AFL football this season. The 26-year-old tore a hamstring at training in mid-May.


It came after another hamstring injury during the NAB Cup that delayed his start to the season.

Coughlan later travelled to Germany for intensive treatment, enduring 102 injections over 12 days in a visit to the clinic of Dr Hans-Wilhelm Mueller-Wohlfarth.

The 2003 best-and-fairest winner had hoped to play by June but Wallace said the club opted to take a more conservative approach.

"He might have been able to play a couple of weeks ago," Wallace said.

"We thought it was better off getting four weeks of training into him rather than throwing him back out into it."



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


Young Hawk hit with three-match ban

June 30th 2008 07:11
HAWTHORN ruckman Brent Renouf has been hit with a three-match ban for striking West Coast tagger Adam Selwood during Friday night's match at the MCG.

The panel viewed the incident as reckless conduct, high impact and high contact equating to 325 points or a three-match ban, should Renouf elect to challenge the case at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

But if the promising 20-year-old accepts the charge he will face only 243.75 points or a two-match suspension.

Renouf was also cleared over a second incident in which he made contact to the Eagles' Brad Ebert. The panel ruled that Renouf had tried to tackle Ebert as he accidentally struck him with an open hand.

In other tribunal news, West Coast full-back Darren Glass and team-mate Adam Hunter can both accept $1200 fines for engaging in a melee as can Hawthorn trio Trent Croad, Mark Williams and Lance Franklin.

Carlton forward Brendan Fevola was charged with a third offence of wrestling and faces a $3000 fine while the wrestling reports laid against Richmond's Jake King and Carlton's Bret Thornton at the MCG on Saturday were thrown out after it was ruled there was "no serious grappling for any length of time to constitute a wrestle".

The panel also took no action against Port Adelaide forward Daniel Motlop, who clashed with Dylan Addison and Daniel Cross during the last quarter of Saturday night's loss to the Western Bulldogs at TIO Stadium in Darwin while teammate Danyle Pearce was also cleared over a clash with Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson.




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


AFL defends new law

June 30th 2008 06:59
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson has defended the new interchange rules on Monday.

Anderson dismissed suggestions that the new punishment - a free kick and a 50-metre penalty from the centre circle - was execessive.

Previously, a team had its entire score docked if it was found to have had an extra player on the field but as only the captain had the right to call a head count the rule was deemed outdated.

St Kilda and the Brisbane Lions were penalised during the weekend when they breached the new interchange rules.

Anderson said the new penalty was better than what had previously been in place.

"You compare what the situation has been. You could have the score go back to zero," Anderson said.

"That is a draconian penalty by comparison with 50 metres from the centre of the ground or 50 metres from where the ball is."

"I think you saw on Sunday's game that it's not a guaranteed goal as well. You can miss."

Anderson however had little to say on whether or not there would be any moves to expand the interchange bench.

Fremantle had just one fit player remaining on the bench at the end of its four-point loss to Essendon on at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Anderson said it was the responsibility of the laws committee to decide.

"It's no point me hypothesising what might happen," Anderson said.

"It's the role of the laws committee to look at submissions from clubs."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL Draft
   


Club deeply affected by tragedy, says March

June 30th 2008 06:48
RICHMOND president Gary March says the entire club has been deeply affected by the serious accident suffered by utility Graham Polak.

Polak was struck by a tram while running to get into a taxi with Hughes and McMahon at about 11.30pm on Saturday night in the inner Melbourne suburb of Armadale.

The Richmond players and staff began counselling on Monday afternoon as it was revealed that Polak was on the improve.

The 24-year-old regained consciousness at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on Monday morning and is showing improved signs but it won't be known for a while as to whether or not he will make a full recovery.

March said Polak was highly respected within the club and that the accident, which occurred on the same day as the club officially celebrated its AFL centenary and just hours after the round 14 loss to Carlton at the MCG had affected everyone.

"Obviously when something like this happens and one of your own family goes down in such a horrific accident, it really does affect the entire club," he said on Monday.

"Graham is a much-loved player around the club, he has got great character and he is a really good guy."

"(But) hopefully we can get through this as a club and it will make us stronger."

"Hopefully we can see Graham back to full health in the near future."

March said the club was particularly concerned about the mental state of fellow players Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon who were with Polak on the night of the incident.

"They (the players) are obviously visibly shaken by the incident," he said.

"We are particularly concerned for Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon who were at the scene - their health and their mental stage - and we are going to monitor that."

March said Hughes' family has come across from Adelaide to comfort him following the accident.

"For a young boy like Cleve - he is only 20 years of age - to see that, it is a life-changing experience."

"Cleve is in a reasonable frame of mind but quite traumatised having been on the scene."

March said the the club would not conduct an investigation as to how Polak came to be struck by the tram, saying they were happy to leave that matter to the authorities.
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Polak showing positive signs: Hickey

June 30th 2008 05:32
RICHMOND club doctor Greg Hickey says utility Graham Polak is showing some 'pretty positive signs' as he begins his long recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Polak regained consciousness at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital on Monday morning and was able to obey several commands.

But Dr Hickey said it would be a while before it was known whether the former Fremantle Docker would make a full recovery.

"He certainly has shown some signs of improvement over the past 24 hours," Dr Hickey said.

"His current situation is he is in the intensive care unit but it is hoped he might be moved to a ward within the next 24 hours - possibly as soon as today."

Dr Hickey said the fact that Polak had been able to open his eyes and squeeze the hands of family members when asked to do so was a positive sign.

"The fact that he has responded to questions I think is a really good sign," he said.

"It means for a start he can hear the instruction, he can understand it enough to act on it and he can make the appropriate response such as squeezing (a family member's hand)."

"That means there are a few pathways that are intact and I was encouraged to see that."

Despite regaining consciousness and being able to obey commands, Dr Hickey said Polak still wasn't cleared of permanent brain damage.

"It is uncertain whether he will make a full recovery but we are hopeful he will (but) it is going to be a bit of a long haul I think."

"But that (being able to follow instructions) is something that wasn't there 24 hours ago or even 12 hours ago and while things are improving, you've got to think optimistically that hopefully in 24 hours he has made similar progress again."

"There is obviously a long way to go for him but he is improving all the time - it's just a matter of waiting and being patient."




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


Malthouse to coach Australia

June 30th 2008 04:46
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse will coach Australia in the upcoming International Rules match against Ireland.

Australia will play two matches against Ireland, at Subiaco Oval on either October 24 or 25 and at the MCG on October 31.

Malthouse said it was a great honour and that he would be doing everything in his powers to ensure an Australian victory.

“I’m totally indebted and humbled to coach Australia,” Malthouse said.

“I’ll be picking our best side and will be going in to win.”

The future of the series was in doubt after ugly scenes marred the 2006 tests in Ireland, but Malthouse stressed that the two matches would be played in the right spirit.

“We want a pleasant taste to this game. I’m a great believer in sportsmanship. The relationship [with Ireland] has got to be first class,” Malthouse said.

Penalties will be strengthened for the International Rules match with any player suspended in an International Rules match missing games during the AFL season.


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Finals the focus for Crows: Rutten

June 30th 2008 04:41
ADELAIDE is focused on qualifying for the finals rather than securing a place in the top four, according to key defender Ben Rutten.

The Crows, who face Geelong in a must-win clash at AAMI Stadium on Friday night have lost their past two matches to Hawthorn and Brisbane to slip to fifth place on the AFL ladder, six points behind fourth-placed Sydney.

Rutten said the club's sole focus throughout the season was to ensure that they made the finals.

"Our expectations and goals from the start of the year were always to make the finals and that's what all clubs are doing," Rutten said.

"There's a fair bit of competition on around where we are on the ladder with teams. Obviously top four gives you the best chance in progressing through the finals but at the moment we are just concentrating as we go and firstly making sure we make the finals."

Rutten said taking on the reigning premiers would be a huge challenge and great learning experience for the club's younger players.

"I think they are pretty even across the whole board. They've got some real experienced players on every line and a lot of premiership players now have got that experience during finals and in the real pressure," he said.

"Especially for some of our younger guys to come up against those bigger bodies and experienced players will be a really good experience."

"They've got a pretty good mix and an even spread of players so that'll test our flexibility down back."

The 25-year-old said it was important that the Crows adopted an attacking mentality on Friday night.

"We've trained for it during the preseason and had some good results during the early stages of the year. I think it's as much a mindset than just ability to play with speed," he said.

"Training won't differ too much but there will be a bit more of an emphasis I suppose on that quicker movement and getting some run."

"The last couple of weeks have been pretty hard, tough tests for us but I suppose this is a tough as it gets at the moment."

"I think we are ready for it as a group and we look forward to it."

Rutten said Brad Symes and Kris Massie had recovered from injuries and would be a chance of returning to the side.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Polak a chance to make full recovery

June 30th 2008 02:29
DOCTORS say Richmond utility Graham Polak has a chance of making a full recovery after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old is no longer in a coma, but is in intensive care in a serious but stable condition at the Alfred Hospital.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale at about 11.30pm on Saturday when he was hit.

The director of the Alfred Hospital's Trauma Centre Mark Fitzgerald said Polak appeared to have no brain swelling at this stage.

"He's continuing to improve, he's obeying commands this morning, we're reasonably happy with his progress," he said.

"He was put on a ventilator at the scene and taken to the trauma centre to do serial brain scans to make sure he didn't have any brain swelling. And I took him off the ventilator mid-afternoon yesterday and he's continued to improve since then."

"Without going into any great detail, he's had quite a severe blow to the head (and) he was deeply unconscious at the scene. He's got some areas of brain injury on his scan, but he's a young person, he's very fit.

Fitzgerald said it will take weeks for Polak to recover, but that there is a chance he will make a full recovery.

"He is a young person. He is very fit and we expect him to recover over the next few weeks," he said.

"It will take some time. It will take some time before we can be absolutely positive of his complete outcome but he is doing very well."



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


Matthews concerned by MCG form

June 30th 2008 01:38
BRISBANE LIONS coach Leigh Matthews is becoming increasingly concerned at his side's poor form at the MCG.

The Lions' one-point loss to bottom-placed Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday means the club has now been beaten at the home of football in two of the past three weeks and in five of its past six matches since losing the 2004 grand final to Port Adelaide.

Matthews admitted his side has struggled to adapt to the vastly different playing conditions at the MCG.

"For instance the MCG (surface) is quite shifty so it is a bit different to the Gabba," Matthews said.

"Our guys always have trouble with their footing (at the MCG), they can't stand up so they miss tackles but that is the conditions you play in and you have got to be able to adapt."

"But the last two times we have come south we haven't been able to adapt."

"It's always easier in the comfort of your home environment."

Matthews said his side underestimated Melbourne and that the lack of hype leading into the match probably affected his team's preparation.

"I said to the team before the (Melbourne) game that you knew it was one of those games where the spotlight on the team (to perform) was pretty mild because we were playing a team that was struggling to win."

"The question then was would the culture of the group be strong enough when you haven't got that external competitive stimulus and basically we weren't."

The Lions are now a game-and-a-half adrift of the top four (and possibly more by the end of the split round) and just a game inside the top eight, but Matthews said he wouldn't be making any drastic changes.

"Nothing needs to happen, basically we are just coming off a poor performance," he said.

"We have 13 days until we play again and we are 8-6 and playing Essendon at Telstra Dome on Saturday week."

"We don't have those expectations (of a top-four finish), we will finish as high up as we can and try to win enough games to play finals but if we win them all we will probably finish top four."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Dockers brave, says Harvey

June 30th 2008 01:01
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey has applauded a brave performance from his side in its heartbreaking four-point loss to Essendon at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Harvey said the Dockers showed their true character in the last quarter against the Bombers as rallied from a 24-point deficit to only lose by four points.

Harvey said the performance was even more impressive considering the the fact that his side was reduced to only 19 fit men after losing Ryan Crowley (possible punctured lung) in the third quarter along with hard-running defender Roger Hayden (hamstring) and Ryley Dunn (hamstring) earlier in the match.

"We had to sustain the three quarters with the limited rotations," he said.

"And then to see them outscore the opposition in the last quarter, I thought that typified (our character) and I told 'em that's what they should typify for the rest of the season."

Harvey said the club's sixth narrow defeat this season hurt and that it was important for his side not to accept honourable losses.

"No, it's got to hurt the fact we're continually losing those games by small margins, we can never accept that. That's the first thing I explained to them before I went on to talk about other things in the game."

Harvey said the team's performance put added pressure on veterans Heath Black and Jeff Farmer to regain their places in the side.

Black, who was available for selection after completing a two-match ban for rough conduct was not considered to face the Bombers because he missed a training session.

Black and Farmer, who was handed a one-match ban after failing to show up at a compulsory recovery session in Melbourne following the club's eight-point loss to St Kilda in round 13 both played for South Fremantle in the WAFL on the weekend.

Farmer kicked five goals in South Fremantle's clash against East Perth, but Harvey couldn't guarantee that the former Demon would be in the side to face Geelong at Skilled Stadium in round 15.

"At some stage those blokes have really got to wake up to themselves," Harvey said.

"If you want to be undisciplined at this footy club then you're going to pay your penalty."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Too early to talk finals: Knights

June 30th 2008 00:40
ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights says his club is not thinking about finals despite the Bombers winning their third straight match against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

In a classic contest, the Bombers rallied from a 20 point deficit midway through the second term to take a four-goal lead in the final stanza.

But the Dockers refused to give in with two majors from skipper Matthew Pavlich and a goal from Chris Tarrant deep in time-on getting Fremantle to within four points. In a tense final minute the Dockers had several half chances to secure the four points but the Bombers held firm to record their fifth win of the season.

Essendon now sit in 12th after a shocking start to the season, two games behind eighth-placed St Kilda.

But Knights said he is focused on the club's development so they can enjoy sustained success.

"(It's) great to have a win and great to string three wins together consecutively and a real credit to our players," said Knights.

"(But) even after today, we're probably two games and percentage (out of the eight), so we're a long way out."

"(So) we must work harder now to get better and execute the game style we want to play, keep going and developing players not only on the field but off the field, so that when we do get good, we stay good."




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


White must fight for spot: Bailey

June 30th 2008 00:06
MELBOURNE ruckman Jeff White will have to fight his way back into the senior side after being dropped for the first time since debuting with the club in 1998, according to coach Dean Bailey.

White did not play in Melbourne's thrilling one-point win over the Brisbane Lions at the MCG on Sunday, with the Demons opting to play Mark Jamar and Paul Johnson in the ruck.

Bailey said the fact that White had to fight to earn his position back in the side was a positive for the club.

"Yep, fight for the position is good. You need that internal pressure so that when players get games it's because they've earned it, rather than just go back and play a game and then come back in, but his form will determine how well he plays," Bailey said.

"Obviously today we've won and we'll examine the game of Jamar closely over the next couple of days and I'm not sure how Jeff went [for Sandringham], but he's a professional Jeff White and he ticks lots of boxes and he prepares as well as anyone I've seen.

"So I'd have been surprised if he didn't play well today."
Bailey said the decision to leave out White also put the microscope on Jamar, whose form has been below what is expected from the club.

"To be fair to Jeff and Mark Jamar, their form hasn't been what you'd say is good, it's been just bubbling along between just average or below average," Bailey said.

"It got to a stage where we decided as a match committee that maybe it's time for Mark Jamar to actually have … the pressure of everything to be put on his shoulders and let's see what we've got … it was good for 'Russian' to take responsibility on.

"Jeff's been a great player and he's still [got] eight weeks to go, so there is no reason why his form can't be at a level where he'll force his way back into the team and 'Russian' knew that there was a lot of pressure on today to perform.

"When you look at the tape, he was probably good, but we want our ruckmen to be competitive all of the time."

Bailey said it was important for Melbourne's younger brigade to step up in the absence of experienced players such as White, the injured Russell Robertson and the now retired David Neitz.

"Without those players there 'Robbo', David and Jeff – great experience and great players – and now they look around the room and they go: 'Well, it's up to us now'," Bailey said.

"We've got to put our best foot forward because we're now being examined like those guys have been and always will be."






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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Polak improves slightly overnight

June 29th 2008 23:52
THE condition of Richmond utility Graham Polak, who was hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night, has improved slightly overnight.

But a hospital spokeswoman said the 24-year-old remained in an induced coma after suffering head injuries.

The spokeswoman said his condition was serious but stable.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale at about 11.30pm on Saturday when he was hit.


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Bombers hold off Dockers

June 29th 2008 10:12
ESSENDON has stretched its winning streak to three with a hard-fought four-point win over Fremantle in a classic contest at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The 14.11 (95) to 13.13 (91) win came on the back of a burst either side of half time, when the Bombers kicked seven goals to one.

The win was soured somewhat for Essendon with veteran Dustin Fletcher leaving the field just before half-time with a suspected broken hand.

Jobe Watson and Mark McVeigh were prolific in the middle for the Bombers, racking up 36 possessions each while Jay Nash booted three goals. David Hille was also influential with 17 disposals and two second quarter goals.

For Fremantle, ruckman Aaron Sandilands battled hard all day and finished the match with 25 possessions and a staggering 45 hit-outs while skipper Matthew Pavlich kicked six majors.

Both sides wasted gettable opportunities in front of goal in a scrappy opening term. Fremantle had seven scoring shots for the quarter but found themselves trailing Essendon by three points at the first change.

Fremantle looked to have blown the game wide open, booting five goals to one in the first 17 minutes of the second term to skip out to a 20-point lead.

Pavlich was particularly damaging, booting three goals in a stunning nine-minute burst.

But with Riley Dunn (hamstring) and Roger Hayden (hamstring) on the bench, the Dockers failed to maintain the same level of intensity and they were made to pay as Essendon kicked the last three goals of the term to close to within one-point at the main break.

Scores were level when Pavlich missed a set shot at the 21-minute mark of the third quarter before Essendon midfielder Leroy Jetta turned the game on its head.

In two minutes, Jetta's clever handpasses allowed Scott Lucas and Sam Lonergan to kick majors to give the Bombers a handy 18-point lead heading into the final change.

The Dockers got off to a dream start in the final term with Pavlich kicking truly after just 45 seconds but majors from Andrew Lovett and Kyle Reimiers extended Essendon's lead to four goals.

Fremantle hit back with another two majors from Pavlich to close to within a kick but Lucas' second major at the 17-minute mark appeared to put the result beyond doubt.

But the Dockers refused to give in and when Tarrant kicked his second the deficit was just four points with just over a minute left to play.

Fremantle had several half chances to secure the four points in the dying stages but the Bombers held firm to record their fifth win of the season.

FREMANTLE: 2.5, 7.6, 8.9, 13.13 (91)
ESSENDON: 3.2, 7.5, 11.9, 14.11 (95)
GOALS: Fremantle: Pavlich 6, Mayne 2, Tarrant 2, Hinkley, Solomon, Carr
Essendon: Hille 2, Stanton 2, Ramanauskas 2, Lucas 2, McVeigh, Lloyd, McPhee, Lonergan, Reimers, Lovett
BEST: Fremantle: Pavlich, Sandilands, Bell, Grover, Palmer, Mayne, Solomon, Carr
Essendon: Watson, McVeigh, Hille, Jetta, McPhee
INJURIES: Fremantle: Roger Hayden (hamstring), Riley Dunn (hamstring), Ryan Crowley (punctured lung)
Essendon: Dustin Fletcher (broken hand)
UMPIRES: McBurney, Stewart, Nicholls
REPORTS:
CHANGES: Fremantle: McPharlin (ribs) replaced by Head
Essendon: Neagle replaced by Peverill
CROWD: 34,239 at Subiaco Oval




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


Dees down Lions in thriller

June 29th 2008 06:21
MELBOURNE has dealt a massive blow to Brisbane's top four aspirations with a thrilling one-point win at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Demons led at every change but were forced to withstand several challenges from the Lions, eventually prevailing 14.9 (93) to 13.14 (92).

The win draws Melbourne level with 15th placed West Coast, however they remain on the bottom on percentage.

Brad Miller starred for Melbourne with 16 possessions, eight marks and four goals while Colin Sylvia also chimed in with four majors. Brad Green, Paul Wheatley, Chris Johnson and Matthew Whelan were all busy contributors, racking up 30-plus possessions.

For Brisbane, Luke Power continued his rich vein of form with 32 disposals while Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw booted five and four goals respectively.

Brown kicked the first goal of the match within the first minute of play but the rest of the term belonged to Melbourne. Their pressure around the ground and attack on the football was a highlight as they slammed on five of the next six goals, with Miller booting three for the term to give the Demons a 19-point lead heading into quarter-time.

Sylvia kicked the first of the second term to extend Melbourne's advantage beyond four goals but Brisbane hit back late in the term with three goals in three minutes to reduce the deficit to three points at the main break.

The Demons had led by 20 points midway through the third term but late goals to Rhan Hooper and Bradshaw ensured the Lions remained within striking distance, trailing by just eight points heading into the final change.

Brown and Bradshaw cut loose in the final term, booting five goals between them to give Brisbane an 11-point lead with just over two minutes remaining.

But the Demons refused to give in with Cameron Bruce snapping truly from 40m before Miller took a towering mark and converted from directly in front at the 33-minute mark to secure Melbourne's second win of the season.

MELBOURNE: 5.4, 6.6, 9.8. 14.9 (93)
BRISBANE LIONS: 2.3, 5.9, 7.12, 13.14 (92)
GOALS: Melbourne: Sylvia 4, Miller 4, Wonaeamirri 2, Bruce 2, Bate, Green
Brisbane: Brown 5, Bradshaw 4 Hooper 2, Patfull, Rischitelli
BEST: Melbourne: Miller, C Johnson, Sylvia, Green, Wheatley, Jones, Garland
Brisbane: Power, Brown, Rischitelli, Black, Hooper, McGrath
INJURIES: Melbourne: Nil
Brisbane: Nil
UMPIRES: Head, Armstrong, Jeffery
REPORTS:
CHANGES: Brisbane: Johnstone (hamstring) replaced by Polkinghorne
CROWD: 23,278 at MCG


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Polak in coma

June 29th 2008 01:39
THE condition of Richmond utility Graham Polak has improved after he was hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night but he remains in an induced coma.

Polak was crossing the intersection of Orrong and Dandenong roads at Armadale at 11.30pm on Saturday when he was hit.

He was with a group of people including teammates Cleve Hughes and Jordan McMahon.

Club doctor Greg Hickey said the 24-year-old had suffered a brain injury and was put in an induced coma at The Alfred hospital on Saturday night.

Hickey said Polak's immediate playing future was in doubt, but in some good news for the former Fremantle Docker scans on Sunday morning showed no extra swelling.

"He has got bruising on the brain," Dr Hickey said.

"Initially it was of great concern. Fortunately, through the night he has improved."




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


Polak critical in hospital

June 28th 2008 23:32
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak is in a critical but stable condition after being hit by a tram in Melbourne on Saturday night.

Polak was crossing the road at the Orrong and Dandenong roads intersection in Armadale around 11.30pm.

The former Fremantle Docker was treated by paramedics and taken to The Alfred hospital. He is believed to be suffering head injuries.

Police have confirmed the man involved in the incident was the 24-year-old key position player.



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


Show Ben respect: Nixon

June 28th 2008 22:36
BEN COUSINS' manager Ricky Nixon has taken aim at the AFL clubs that have already ruled out recruiting the former West Coast captain, saying they should show more respect.

Nixon was particularly critical of Adelaide football manager John Reid, claiming his sharp dismissal of the 2005 Brownlow medallist showed a lack of feeling.

Reid was one of a number of club representatives who this week ruled themselves out of taking Cousins should he be granted permission to resume playing after a 12-month ban for bringing the game into disrepute.

When asked if the Crows were considering drafting Cousins, Reid said dismissively: "We're just not interested."

Nixon said Reid out of touch with modern football.

"I'd say, 'Grow up' to the clubs that have come out and said they don't want Ben," Nixon said yesterday.

"People like John Reid, from Adelaide . . . fair dinkum, to come out and make negative comments like he has made is just infuriating. This bloke is so old hat that it is not funny.

"He should get out of the game because he is yesterday's man who makes the most bumbling comments that I've ever heard in my life. 'John is a parent, so perhaps he should put himself in the shoes of Ben Cousins's parents.

"Obviously, if it were his son or daughter, he wouldn't appreciate the comments that are being made."

Nixon said several AFL clubs had approached him to get a feel for where the former Eagle is at in his recovery from drug addiction but he firmly believes that Cousins will not not play in the VFL or the WAFL this year.

"He is going to come over to Port Melbourne and train a bit and he is going to train over in Western Australia, but the chances of him playing are highly unlikely," Nixon said.

"I don't want him to play (this year). I don't see any reason why he needs to.

"I do understand the AFL, and everybody else, wants to see him fit and healthy and training, but I don't think anyone needs to see him run out on the ground and actually play a game.

"I think we all know that he can play. We just need to see that he is fit and healthy, that is the priority."

Nixon said the risk of injury, being tagged and copping too much public scrutiny were all concerns if Cousins returned to the field this year.

"There are other ramifications to consider if he happens to play," he said.

"The fact that he is going to be heavily tagged and create a pressure situation is perhaps not conducive to getting back into AFL, to be honest.

"At the end of the day, if he is declared fit later in the year and if he is able to nominate for the draft, I don't think the few AFL clubs that I have spoken to haven't been too worried about him playing, that's for sure.

"People need to understand there is about a five-step process. Step one is training, and he could do that for five or six weeks, then step two might be to play one or two games, three might be to nominate for the draft, four is to get selected in the draft, and step five might be running out on the MCG for the first round next year.

"Everyone wants to know about step five, but they have to understand that we are only at step one now."




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Dogs demolish Port

June 28th 2008 13:19
THE Western Bulldogs have stretched their winning streak to five with a 54-point demolition of a depleted Port Adelaide side at TIO Stadium in Darwin on Saturday night.

The Bulldogs' 20.15 (135) to 11.15 (81) win gives them top spot halfway through the split round, although reigning premiers Geelong can regain top spot if they beat Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

The win was soured somewhat for the Bulldogs with Ryan Griffen and forward Scott Welsh dislocating their fingers in the final term.

Daniel Cross and Adam Cooney were busy for the Bulldogs with 34 and 33 possessions respectively. Jason Akermanis was influential with 19 disposals and four goals while
Griffen was dynamic in the middle with 20 possessions and two majors.

Griffen was particularly damaging in the first half as he helped himself to 13 touches, nine marks, three inside 50s and a brilliant running goal from 50 metres.

Brian Lake was strong in defence, keeping skipper Warren Tredrea to two goals while Dale Morris did a superb blanketing job on Daniel Motlop, keeping the dangerous Port forward goalless for just the second time this season.

Kane Cornes tried hard all night for Port, racking up a game-high 41 possessions, but his efforts proved fruitless as his teammates failed to provide any support.

Port trailed by just eight points at quarter-time but were blown away in the second term as the Bulldogs superior foot skills came to the fore.

The Bulldogs piled on six goals in a stunning 15-minute burst to take a match-winning 45-point lead into the main break.

Port stemmed the flow of goals in the second half, booting seven goals to the Bulldogs nine but the damage had already been done.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.4, 11.9, 16.12, 20.15 (135)
PORT ADELAIDE: 2.2, 4.6, 9.10, 11.15 (81)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 4, Johnson 3, Welsh 3, Griffen 2, Hill 2, Ray, Eagleton, Hahn, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Boyd.
Port Adelaide: Westhoff 2, Gray 2,Tredrea 2, Rodan, Thomson, Pettigrew, Brogan, Lonie.
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Griffen, Akermanis, Johnson, Cooney, Cross, Eagleton, Hargrave.
Port Adelaide: K Cornes, Lonie, Gray, Cassisi, Rodan, Pearce.
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Griffen (dislocated finger), Welsh (dislocated finger).
Port Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Ryan, Schmitt, Ellis.
Crowd: TBC at TIO Stadium, Darwin




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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Saints down North

June 28th 2008 12:55
ST KILDA has moved into the top eight with a gutsy 15-point win over the Kangaroos at Carrara Stadium on Saturday night.

The Saints trailed at every change before running over the top of the Roos in the final term, piling on six goals to one to record a 12.12 (84) to 9.15 (69) victory.

The match was marked by an interchange controversy that could have influenced the result.

The Kangaroos were gifted a goal at the 14-minute mark of the final stanza when the Saints were penalised for having 19 players on the field.

Luke Ball ran onto the field of play before Andrew McQualter, the player he was replacing, had run through the interchange gates.

The play had been deep in St Kilda's forward line when the infringement occurred but, under the league's new rule North was awarded a shot at goal 50 metres from the centre.

The free kick allowed Daniel Harris to goal and put North in front only minutes after the Saints led for the first time since early in the opening term.

But the Saints continued to press on to record their seventh win of the season.

The result sees the Saints jump into eighth spot on the ladder, edging Carlton on percentage while the Kangaroos are two points outside the eight in 10th spot.

Stephen Milne was lively with four majors while Justin Koschitzke was also influential with 19 possessions and two goals.

Ball (26 possessions) and Leigh Montagna (25 disposals) were busy in the middle while skipper Nick Riewoldt overcame a sluggish first half to finish the match with 24 possessions, 14 marks and one goal.

For the Kangaroos, Brent Harvey (29 possessions and one goal) and skipper Adam Simpson (32 disposals) tried hard all night, while small forward Matt Campbell chimed in with three goals.

The Kangaroos ran harder than the Saints in the opening stanza and they were rewarded for their willingness to move the football quickly as they piled on four unanswered goals in a stunning six-minute burst to take a handy 25-point lead into quarter-time.

The Kangaroos looked on course for a comfortable win when Campbell kicked his second to extend his side's lead beyond five goals.

Milne finally kicked the Saints first goal of the match at the nine-minute mark of the second term. Their confidence lifted from that moment and they kicked the next three to close to within 16 points at the main break.

Both sides traded goals in a see-sawing third term with a fantastic running goal from Daniel Wells ensuring the Kangaroos maintained a 16-point lead heading into the final change.

The Saints kicked the first three goals of the final term, including two in two minutes from Koschitzke to hit the front.

Back-to-back 50m penalties for an interchange breach threatened to stall St Kilda's momentum, but they banged on the last three goals of the match to record a season-defining win.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 4.4, 6.7, 8.11, 9.15 (69)
ST KILDA: 0.3, 4.3, 6.7, 12.12 (84)
GOALS: North Melbourne: Campbell 3, Hale, Harding, Harris, Harvey, Petrie, Wells
St Kilda: Milne 4, Koschitzke 2, Armitage, Eddy, S. Fisher, King, Montagna, Riewoldt
BEST: North Melbourne: Harvey, Petrie, Simpson, Campbell, Gibson
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Milne, Ball, Koschitzke, Dal Santo, Fisher
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Nil
St Kilda: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Sully, McInerney
CROWD: 9,128 at Gold Coast Stadium



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


Blues overrun Tigers

June 28th 2008 07:21
CARLTON has spoiled Richmond's centenary celebrations and kept its finals hopes alive with a hard-fought 30-point win at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues trailed at every change but lifted in the final term, slamming on seven goals to two record a 17.16 (118) to 12.16 (88) victory.

The win sees Carlton jump at least temporarily into the top eight while Richmond has failed to take advantage of last week's win over Port Adelaide and could find itself two games outside the eight come the end of the weekend.

The loss was made worse for Richmond with star forward Matthew Richardson leaving the field early in the final term with what appeared to be a hamstring injury.

Nick Stevens stepped up in the absence of injured Carlton skipper Chris Judd with 26 possessions, 10 marks and one goal, while Bryce Gibbs was also prolific in the middle with 20 disposals and three majors.

Andrew Carrazzo (29 possessions) worked hard all day while Brendon Fevola chimed in with four majors, including two in the final stanza.

For Richmond, Brett Deledio was lively in the middle 30 possessions, 11 marks and one goal. Joel Bowden (32 possessions and 11 marks) was busy in defence while Mitch Morton and Cleve Hughes booted three goals each.

Nathan Brown had a day he would rather forget, managing six behinds from his six scoring shots.

The opening term was a scrappy affair with just nine behinds registered in a forgettable 15 minutes.

Brad Fisher finally opened the scoring for Carlton before Morton hit back four minutes later.

A goal to Deledio after the siren put the Tigers up by eight points at the first change.

Richmond kicked the first two goals of the second term to open up an 18-point lead but the Blues hit back with the next three through Jake Edwards, Fevola and Shaun Grigg to hit the front.

But three goals from Hughes in the second term ensured the Tigers kept their noses in front, taking a 12-point lead into the main break.

Carlton came out firing in the second half, slamming on three goals in eight minutes to regain the lead.

Richmond responded through Richardson before two goals from Morton from strong contested marks put the Tigers in front by a point heading into the final change.

The Tigers failed to fire a shot in the final stanza as the Blues took control and cruised to their seventh win of the season.

RICHMOND: 2.7, 7.9, 10.13, 12.16 (88)
CARLTON: 1.5, 5.9, 10.12, 17.16 (118)
GOALS: Richmond: Hughes 3, Morton 3, Polak, Simmonds, Deledio, Richardson, Johnson, Riewoldt
Carlton: Fevola 4, Gibbs 3, Fisher 2, Betts 2, Grigg, Edwards, Stevens, Wiggins, Cloke, Murphy
BEST: Richmond: Bowden, Deledio, Cotchin, Newman
Carlton: Stevens, Fisher, Waite, Gibbs, Scotland, Murphy
INJURIES: Richmond: Richardson (hamstring)
Carlton: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Will Thursfield (hamstring) replaced by Jake King in Richmond's selected side
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Kamolins, Wenn
CROWD: 73,503 at the MCG



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News,