Read + Write + Report
Home | Start a blog | About Orble | FAQ | Blogs | Writers | Paid | My Orble | Login

AFL Central - July 2008

Round eighteen teams

July 31st 2008 07:18
ROUND EIGHTEEN

Friday, August 1
Collingwood v Hawthorn at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, August 2
Essendon v Melbourne at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium, 2.40pm ACST
Geelong v Richmond at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm AEST
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Gold Coast Stadium, 7.10pm AEST

Sunday, August 3
Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval, 1.10pm AEST
St Kilda v Port Adelaide at Telstra Dome, 2.10pm AEST
Fremantle v West Coast Eagles at Subiaco Oval, 2.40pm AWST

COLLINGWOOD v HAWTHORN
COLLINGWOOD

B: Heath Shaw, Nathan Brown, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Martin Clarke, Nick Maxwell, Harry O’Brien
C: Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Burns, Alan Toovey
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Leon Davis
F: Alan Didak, Paul Medhurst, Shane O’Bree
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Ryan Lonie, Sharrod Wellingham, Chris Bryan, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, John McCarthy, Sam Iles
In: Fraser, Goldsack, Lonie, Toovey
Out: Ben Johnson, Cameron Wood, Rhyce Shaw (back), Shane Wakelin (rested)

HAWTHORN
B: Campbell Brown, Stephen Gilham, Brent Guerra
HB:Thomas Murphy, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Rick Ladson
HF: Shane Crawford, Lance Franklin, Chance Bateman
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Stuart Dew, Xavier Ellis, Harry Taylor, Cameron Stokes
EMG: Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck, Clinton Young
In: Crawford, Dew
Out: Michael Osborne (corked buttock), Travis Tuck

ESSENDON v MELBOURNE
ESSENDON
B: Jay Nash, Mal Michael, Dustin Fletcher
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Jarrod Atkinson

C: Ricky Dyson, Jobe Watson, Henry Slattery
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Sam Lonergan
F: Jason Laycock, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Leroy Jetta
Foll: David Hille, Andrew Welsh, Brent Stanton
I/C: Kyle Reimers, Andrew Lovett, Damien Peverill, Adam Ramanauskas
EMG: Heath Hocking, Cale Hooker, Rhys Magin

In: Lovett
Out: Scott Lucas (back)

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Chris Johnson, Daniel Bell, Paul Wheatley
C: Cale Morton, Cameron Bruce, Simon Buckley
HF: Brad Green, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Paul Johnson, Colin Sylvia, Addam Maric
Foll: Mark Jamar, Clint Bartram, James McDonald
I/C: Lynden Dunn, Austin Wonaeamirri, Shane Valenti, Stefan Martin
EMG: Nathan Carroll, Nathan Jones, Jeff White
In: Green, Wheatley, Wonaeamirri
Out: Brad Miller (hamstring), Nathan Jones, Michael Newton

ADELAIDE v CARLTON
ADELAIDE
B: Kris Massie, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Nathan van Berlo, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Brad Symes, Simon Goodwin, Chris Knights
HF: Andrew McLeod, Scott Stevens, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Nick Gill, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Brad Moran, Robert Shirley, David Mackay, Bryce Campbell
EMG: Kurt Tippett, Andy Otten, Jared Petrenko

In: Massie
Out: Kurt Tippett

CARLTON
B: Andrew Walker, Mark Austin, Michael Jamison
HB: Heath Scotland, Bret Thornton, Andrew Carrazzo
C: Simon Wiggins, Eddie Betts, Dennis Armfield
HF: Brad Fisher, Jarrad Waite, Bryce Gibbs
F: Marc Murphy, Brendan Fevola, Cameron Cloke
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Nick Stevens
I/C: Steven Browne, Shaun Grigg, Jordan Russell, Kade Simpson
EMG: Shaun Hampson, Darren Pfeiffer, Jason Saddington

In: Armfield
Out: Adam Hartlett

GEELONG v RICHMOND
GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Max Rooke, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Ryan Gamble
F: Joel Selwood, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Cameron Ling, Joel Corey
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe
EMG: David Johnson, Shannon Byrnes, Simon Hogan
In: Ling, Milburn
Out: Paul Chapman (hamstring), David Johnson

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Will Thursfield, Luke McGuane
HB: Kelvin Moore, Joel Bowden, Jordan McMahon
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Matt White
HF: Trent Cotchin, Jay Schulz, Richard Tambling
F: Nathan Brown, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Adam Pattison, Shane Edwards, Mitch Morton, Daniel Jackson
EMG: Daniel Connors, Jake King, Danny Meyer
No change

NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Gavin Urquhart, Josh Gibson, Michael Firrito
HB: Shannon Watt, Drew Petrie, Sam Power
C: Daniel Pratt, Adam Simpson, Brady Rawlings
HF: Corey Jones, Lachlan Hansen, Brent Harvey
F: Matt Campbell, Leigh Brown, Daniel Wells
Foll: David Hale, Lindsay Thomas, Daniel Harris
I/C: Shannon Grant, Blake Grima, Leigh Harding, Scott McMahon
EMG: Jess Sinclair, Todd Goldstein, Eddie Sansbury

In: Brown
Out: Todd Goldstein

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Justin Sherman, Jason Roe, Ashley McGrath
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Jed Adcock
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Jared Brennan
F: Rhan Hooper, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone
I/C: Colm Begley, Bradd Dalziell, Scott Clouston, Albert Proud
EMG: Scott Harding, James Hawksley, Tim Notting

In: Colm Begley, Rhan Hooper, Scott Clouston, Albert Proud
Out: Tom Collier, Cheynee Stiller, Tim Notting, Robert Copeland

New: Scott Clouston (Morningside)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v SYDNEY SWANS
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Stephen Tiller, Dale Morris, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Andrejs Everitt, Brian Lake, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Nathan Eagleton, Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd
HF: Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Adam Cooney
I/C (from): Daniel Giansiracusa, Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill, Farren Ray, Peter Street, Cameron Wight, Callan Ward

In: Tiller, Street, Ward, Wight
Out: Dylan Addison (knee)

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton , Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Heath Grundy, Luke Ablett
F: Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Barry Hall, Jarrad Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C (from): Ryan Brabazon, Luke Brennan, Jared Crouch, Peter Everitt, Nick Malceski, Ben Mathews, Patrick Veszpremi

In: Barry, Brabazon, Brennan, Crouch, Malceski, Veszpremi
Out: Adam Goodes (groin), Matthew O’Dwyer, Henry Playfair (hamstring)

New: Ryan Brabazon (Claremont), Patrick Veszpremi (Bundoora)

ST KILDA v PORT ADELAIDE
ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Sam Fisher, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Jason Blake
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Robert Eddy
F: Clint Jones, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Adam Schneider, James Gwilt, Aaron Fiora, Michael Rix, Charlie Gardiner, Jarryn Geary, Shane Birss

In: Koschitzke, C Gardiner, Birss, Rix, Geary, Gwilt
Out: Michael Gardiner, David Armitage, Max Hudghton (calf)

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Toby Thurstans, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Kane Cornes, Travis Boak
HF: Greg Bentley, Tom Logan, Danyle Pearce
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Brett Ebert
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, David Rodan
I/C (from): Fabian Deluca, Mitch Farmer, Nick Salter, Paul Stewart, Adam Thomson, Damon White, Ryan Williams

In: Farmer, Salter, Stewart, Thomson, White, Williams
Out: Warren Tredrea (shoulder), Steven Salopek (achilles), Troy Chaplin (ankle)

FREMANTLE v WEST COAST
FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Josh Head
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Ryan Crowley, Brett Peake
HF: Jeff Farmer, Chris Tarrant, Chris Mayne
F: Shaun McManus, Matthew Pavlich, Mark Johnson
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, Josh Carr
I/C (from): Ryan Murphy, Paul Duffield, Rhys Palmer, Steven Dodd, Andrew Browne, Roger Hayden, Kepler Bradley

In: Pavlich, Browne, Hayden, Bradley
Out: Robert Warnock (ankle)

WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Adam Selwood, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Brad Ebert, Tyson Stenglein
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Steven Armstrong
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Brent Staker
Foll: Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Jamie McNamara
I/C (from): Ryan Davis, Tim Houlihan, Ben McKinley, Matt Priddis, Mark Seaby, Scott Selwood, Matt Spangher

In: Glass, Houlihan, Davis
Out: Nil



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Clarkson unconcerned about Franklin's goal-kicking

July 31st 2008 06:42
HAWTHORN forward Lance Franklin's supposed kicking woes have been 'over-exaggerated', according to coach Alastair Clarkson.

Franklin has booted 77 goals and 61 behinds this season to lead the Coleman Medal race.

But Clarkson said on Thursday he was unconcerned about Franklin's accuracy in front of goal.

"I'm sick of talking about it to be honest, he makes an enormous contribution in terms of the role he plays for our side," Clarkson said.

"The lad's 21 years of age and he's getting enormous opportunity to have shots on goal. "

"That's the most pleasing thing for us. Over time he'll develop more confidence in his goal kicking."

"It's over-exaggerated. If he is getting nine or 10 shots at goal and he is kicking four or five goals regularly, I reckon there'd be 15 other teams who would want a player like him in their side."

Clarkson said the 21-year-old works hard on his kicking in front of goal.

"He works on it tediously here at training with his forward line coaches and at some point in time that's going to translate into a more consistent performance," he said.

"I think if you watch him before the game he usually goes out and has 20 or 30 shots, too, so it's just the positions he's kicking them from and his confidence levels."

"But he's a young kid and he's only played 70 or so games of AFL footy so he'll get better as time goes by."



34
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


No time-frame on flag: Clarkson

July 31st 2008 06:35
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has responded to comments by Hawks' president Jeff Kennett by saying he will not put a time frame on when the club will win its next flag.

Kennett said on the Hawthorn website on Monday, "we are about making history for the club this year, not just next or the year after."

Clarkson said the club is in a good position at the moment but admitted it is very difficult to win a flag.

"We want to progress as quickly as we possibly can," he said.

"We've put ourselves in a position that we can go deep into finals, and who knows, as we've seen in years gone by with Essendon winning in '93 and Adelaide in the latter half of that decade, if you get momentum in finals anything can happen.

"We set very high standards at the club and the demands are great, but that's the robust environment of this competition.

"We want to go as high as we possibly can and hopefully that's a flag, but we also are realistic to know that it's a really tough gig winning AFL premierships."


39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Gehrig off long-term linjury list

July 31st 2008 05:57
ST KILDA forward Fraser Gehrig has been taken off the club's long-term injury list.

Gehrig has resumed full training after succumbing to chronic arthritis in his right hand earlier in the year.

But the 32-year-old admitted that he probably won't play again this season.

"However, I know where I fit in the current scope of the team and it will be really tough to get back," he said.

"My return to football didn’t quite go to plan earlier this year and my body just hasn’t held up the way I would have liked."

"I’ve worked hard to stay on track, remain focused and give the Saints everything that I can."

Gehrig managed just nine goals from five appearances this season after being re-drafted by the Saints at the 2007 national draft.


32
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Age not a factor: Malthouse

July 31st 2008 05:52
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse believes there should be no age limit to coaching.

Malthouse finds himself under greater scrutiny with the Magpies having lost four of their past six matches. A loss to third-placed Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night could see Collingwood drop out of the top eight with just four rounds remaining.

The Pies' recent slump has seen Carlton's 1987 premiership coach and now media personality Robert Walls question whether Malthouse and Brisbane Lions coach Leigh Matthews were keeping up with the modern trends of the game.

Malthouse - who turns 55 next month and Matthews - who was 56 in March - are the oldest AFL coaches.

But Malthouse said on Thursday that the age of a person had no bearing on their ability to coach.

"It's probably just that in Australian Rules Football, we tend to have a lot of young coaches and I started when I was 30," he said.

"We tend to let young men coach - they come out of the game (as players), sometimes they are assistants for four or five years and then they become (senior) coaches and it's unique to Australian Rules in many respects."

"You are as only as young as you are prepared to be with your staff and players and how innovative you are yourself, so I don't think there is a time frame."

"Some players for example are finished by 26 or 27 and some will play until they are 35 or 36 and then there are coaches that come in late and finish late and some come in early and finish early so it's not a matter of how old you are."


32
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Fevola re-signs

July 31st 2008 02:54
CARLTON forward Brendon Fevola has signed a new three-year deal with the Blues which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of 2011.

Fevola said he was glad that his future was finally secured.

"It's a relief to get it done now and not wait until the end of the year," Fevola said.

"To be a one-club player means everything to me and I've always wanted to stay here."

"I was never going to leave Carlton, it's like a family here."

"I've done some silly things but it would be a silly thing to leave this club now."

Negotiations were delayed by the 27-year-old's split with former manager Paul Connors and his switch to new management team, Velocity Sports.

The controversial forward had been linked with a move to the Sydney Swans and at that point Carlton announced that negotiations would not resume until the end of the season so the club could focus on making the finals.

But both parties have since agreed to terms with Fevola saying the prospect of playing finals football was a 'massive lure'.

Fevola also added the new deal did not contain an off-field behavioural clause despite the club putting him on his final chance after he was caught urinating in public outside a Melbourne nightclub on the eve of this season.

The 2006 Coleman medallist has booted goals in 159 games for Carlton since his debut in round 17, 1999.

Fevola has been in scintillating form of late, booting 33 goals in his past six matches to take his season tally to 75 majors, just two behind Hawthorn star Lance Franklin.



27
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Clarkson apologises to umpire

July 31st 2008 02:43
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson has apologised to umpire Justin Schmitt for the comments he made following the Hawks' 11-point loss to Geelong at the MCG last Friday night.

Clarkson made reference to Schmitt in his post-match media conference, saying: "He's a good player for the Cats that No.17, wasn't he? He's a ripper."

Schmitt had the No.17 umpire's shirt on.

Clarkson admitted on Thursday that he should have handled the situation better.

"I should have handled it in the same way I'm going to handle it right now - not say too much about it," Clarkson said.

"The regulations are there and I stepped outside the line. I was out of line. We made an apology ... and I'll cop my whack."



25
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Dees demolishing debt

July 31st 2008 00:24
MELBOURNE is well on its way to wiping off $5 million in debt, gaining pledges from supporters worth more than $1 million.

Already 140 backers have promised the minimum outlay of $6000 to attend next Tuesday night's "Debt Demolition" dinner, with further donations expected on the night.

The club is now searching for another 10 donors to complete a "150 Foundation Heroes" list.

Melbourne president Jim Stynes said it was a good start but admitted there is still a long way to go.

"This is like the first quarter," Stynes said.

"But this is a great start."

Stynes didn't give away too many details about the night, but ensured it would be memorable for those who will attend.

"It's going to be fairly theatrical," Stynes said.

"An unusual night. A memorable one. They won't forget this one for a long time."

He did reveal that a highlight will be footage of coach Dean Bailey's pre-match address in this year's 150th birthday clash with Collingwood.

The dinner will cost $1,000 a ticket, with guests expected to donate a minimum of $5,000.

The list of "150 Foundation Heroes" will forever hang next to the Demons' recent list of their all-time top 150 players.

The Demons will also hold a lower-priced event next month for people who want to help but can't afford to attend Tuesday's dinner.

"We will cater for those who want to contribute, say, $500-plus," Stynes said.

"After Tuesday night, we need the balance of the members to come forward and help us with the rest."




35
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Hawks could face heavier penalties

July 31st 2008 00:09
HAWTHORN will face a heavier sanction the next time coach Alastair Clarkson criticises the umpires.

The Hawks were fined $5,000 for Clarkson's attack on umpire Justin Schmitt after last Friday night's 11-point loss to Geelong.

Clarkson said in his post-match press conference that "he was a good player for the Cats that No.17, he's a ripper".

The comment was directed at field umpire Justin Schmitt who wears shirt No.17.

AFL acting football operations manager Jill Lindsay said Clarkson had breached AFL Player Regulations.

"Regulations such as these exist because of the need for the AFL competition to set a positive example on conduct towards umpires," Lindsay said.

If Clarkson crosses the line again Hawthorn could face a $20,000 fine.



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Saints won't take Power lightly

July 30th 2008 23:58
ST KILDA won't be taking Port Adelaide lightly when the two sides meet at Telstra Dome on Sunday, according to vice-captain Lenny Hayes.

The Saints' four match winning streak came to an end last week when they suffered a shock loss to the 15th placed Eagles in Perth and this week they find themselves up against another team already out of finals contention in the 13th placed Power.

Port already has one eye on next year with skipper skipper Warren Tredrea (shoulder), Steven Salopek (achilles) and Chad Cornes (knee/shoulder) all sidelined for the remainder of the season.

But Hayes said last weekend's loss to West Coast showed that sides outside the top eight are still a dangerous prospect.

"There were quite a few results last week that went against the way people thought they would be," Hayes said

"So I suppose last week was (a wake-up call) and it showed that even if you are only five or ten percent off your game you can be beaten by any side."

"Port were excellent against Adelaide a couple of weeks ago and I think there are a few comments coming out of there (Adelaide) that they want to have a say in the shape of the top eight."


St Kilda will regain Justin Koschitzke from suspension while Hayes said the Saints remained hopeful that key defender Max Hudghton will be play despite injuring his calf against the Eagles.

Hayes said Hudghton, who didn't train on Wednesday will be given until Friday to prove his fitness.

"I think we'll give Max up until Friday to see how he is," Hayes said.



36
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Ablett, Wojcinski ruled out

July 30th 2008 06:50
GEELONG star Gary Ablett Jnr and hard-running defender David Wojcinski have been ruled out of Saturday night's clash against Richmond at Telstra Dome.

Ablett has missed the past two games with an ankle injury while Wojcinski has been sidelined for the same period with an Achilles problem.

The Geelong medical staff decided after training on Wednesday that both players needed one more week on the sidelines.

Cameron Ling is set to play against the Tigers after having recovered from a fractured cheekbone sustained against the Dockers in round 15.



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Hawks fined

July 30th 2008 06:07
HAWTHORN has been hit with a $5.000 fine following comments made by coach Alistair Clarkson after his side's 11-point loss to Geelong at the MCG last Friday night.

Clarkson said in his post-match press conference that "he was a good player for the Cats that No.17, he's a ripper".

The comment was directed at field umpire Justin Schmitt who wears shirt No.17.

AFL acting football operations manager Jill Lindsay said Clarkson had breached AFL Player Regulations.

"Regulations such as these exist because of the need for the AFL competition to set a positive example on conduct towards umpires," Lindsay said.


38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Blues brimming with confidence

July 30th 2008 05:56
CARLTON will go into Saturday's crucial clash against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium full of confidence given their strong interstate record this season, according to coach Brett Ratten.

The Blues have won their two matches interstate - which includes a come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide in round 11.

"We take a fair bit out of our interstate performances full stop, the West Coast game and the Port Adelaide game have given us confidence," Ratten said.

A win for the Blues will bring them level with the seventh-placed Crows on 36 points.

Ratten said their was a new-found belief within the group following the impressive win over the second-placed Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome last weekend.

"I think our ability to believe in ourselves has grown and our fitness has improved … and belief comes from good performances and backing that up," Ratten said.

"The belief factor is there … we got a lot of confidence from last week's game."

"It was nearly a four-quarter performance in a lot of aspects that we tried to do in the game and we nearly hit the mark to achieve 99 percent of them."



35
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Lucas in doubt

July 30th 2008 05:40
ESSENDON forward Scott Lucas is in some doubt for Saturday's clash against Melbourne at the MCG, according to coach Matthew Knights.

Knights said Lucas was battling a variety of injuries in the Bombers' 48-point win over Collingwood last Saturday.

"Scott had some difficulty in the second half last week with a back spasm and also his ankle and knee have been a little bit of an issue for him over the last five or six weeks," Knights said.

"He hasn't done a lot of training over the last four weeks so he'd have to be really good today (at training) for me to put him out there (against the Demons)."

Knights admitted that Essendon would have to enter the match against the Demons with a 'smaller' attack if Lucas failed to prove his fitness with fellow key forwards Jay Neagle and Scott Gumbleton unavailable due to injury.

"In regards to options, as in big forwards in the VFL, there's not a lot of options to be blunt," Knights said.

"So therefore it might be just we become a little bit smaller in our forward half, we did that for parts of the game against Collingwood last week in any case, we went smaller at times, so the boys are certainly not averse to doing that."

Knights said the club would have no heistation in resting Lucas.

"If he doesn't train well today and moves really freely I think that's probably the best option for him to give him this week (off)," Knights said.

"That way his body will refresh, it'll give himself a week without that body on body competition and he may come up really well for the last part of the season."

Meanwhile, Knights said speedster Andrew Lovett is a chance to earn a recall after serving a club-imposed two-match ban for unprofessionalism.

"He is available but we'll finalise our 22 after today's training session because we've got a couple of boys that are obviously a little bit sore after two or three weeks of hard footy, so we'll make that decision post-session today," he said.




39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Polak out of hospital

July 30th 2008 04:38
RICHMOND utility Graham Polak has been discharged from hospital after being hit by a tram in Melbourne last month.

Polak suffered serious injuries in the incident and was put in an induced coma. He awoke from the coma two days later and was transferred from The Alfred Hospital to the Epworth Rehabilitation Centre on July 4.

Richmond doctor Greg Hickey said the 24-year-old will undergo extensive rehabilitation in the coming weeks.

Tigers coach Terry Wallace said Polak still had a long way to go in his recovery.

"We are thrilled that Graham has been able to show doctors... enough positive signs that he can return home," Wallace said.

"Graham still has a long way to go in his recovery, but this is considered another positive step."



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Glass set to return

July 30th 2008 04:32
WEST COAST skipper Darren Glass looks set to play in Sunday's western derby against Fremantle after overcoming a thight strain.

Glass sustained the injury during the Eagles' loss to Brisbane in round 16 and missed last Saturday's 17-point win over St Kilda.

But after a week on the sidelines Glass said he was moving freely and 'very confident' that he would play.

"(I'm) very confident that I'll play," Glass said.

"I just missed out last week and so (I) still have a few more boxes to tick in terms of training sessions ... but very confident.

"I've been able to run pretty much close to full pace so as long as I get through training today and Friday I'll be right."



36
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Thompson to be rested

July 30th 2008 04:23
NORTH MELBOURNE will rest key forward Nathan Thompson in a bid to have him fresh for the remainder of the run-in to the finals.

Thompson, who was dropped following the round 15 win over Port Adelaide, had struggled in three matches back from a knee injury, booting just two goals after starting the season with 24 majors in the first nine games

The 30-year-old responded in the best possible fashion, booting six goals in the VFL during roudnd 16.

He did not play at reserves level last week due to a bye and the Roos have opted to rest him from both its AFL and VFL sides this week.

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley said he was aiming to have the Roos' two-time leading goalkicker back in the side for the round 19 clash against the Western Bulldogs.

"He won't play this week," Laidley said of Thompson.

"He is not injured per se, he has just lost a lot of strength in his legs because backing up week after week - coming off the knee (injury) - he hasn't been able to put the strength work in his legs so he has lost that spark to be able to get off his opponent."

"So for the last three weeks we have just put him through a strengthening program and we would like to think by early next week he is right to go."

"His touch and fitness is good, it's just that strength in his legs we are looking for."

In some good news for the Kangaroos, Laidley said number one ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since round 12 will resume in the VFL in a fortnight while forward Aaron Edwards, who has been sidelined since round six with a broken leg will play in the VFL next week.

Laidley also said he expected that this weekend's clash against Brisbane would be the club's last on the Gold Coast despite the Roos having a contract to play four more 'home' games there in 2009.

"Yeah it's going to be the end of it, I'd imagine that will be the case," Laidley said.

"We have enjoyed going up there and it's been great but obviously it's a good place for a holiday but Melbourne is a great place to live."

"I just missed out last week and so (I) still have a few more boxes to tick in terms of training sessions ... but very confident.

"I've been able to run pretty much close to full pace so as long as I get through training today and Friday I'll be right."




36
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Umpire facing the sack

July 30th 2008 00:14
THE goal umpire who failed to credit Sydney with a behind in their loss to Adelaide at the SCG last Saturday night is facing the axe.

The Crows beat the Swans by 23 points, not the 24 officially registered.

A rushed behind by Adelaide full-back Ben Rutten at the 18-minute mark of the third term was not awarded to the Swans becuase goal umpire Tristan Symes did not recieve the official "all-clear" from field umpire Shane McInerney.

Sydney football manager Andrew Ireland said the club had not ruled out a challenge if it affects its final position on the ladder.

"We hope it doesn't end up being significant," Ireland said last night.

"It might be something we'd look at if we need to - as long as the statute of limitations doesn't run out."

Under AFL rules the score could not be changed because the behind was never registered with either a raised finger or the wave of flags.


31
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


GC 17 signs youngsters

July 29th 2008 07:51
THE Gold Coast franchise which is set to enter the AFL in 2011 has made its first signings.

Queensland teenagers Charlie Dixon, Jesse Haberfield and Jack Stanlake have committed to the GC 17 team.

GC 17 chairman John Witheriff said the signings were an important milestone.

"In years to come we will be able to look back and say these guys were the foundations of the building of the Gold Coast Football Club," Witheriff said.

"I’d like to thank Jesse, Charlie and Jack for agreeing to join us on the journey to become the most exciting sporting club in Australia."

The player contracts will become void if the GC 17 team does not meet the criteria set down by the AFL Commission and is not granted the 17th licence in early October. The players will then be eligible for the AFL Draft in November.


35
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


We need three more wins: Wallace

July 29th 2008 06:47
RICHMOND needs to win at least three of its five last games to qualify for only its third finals series since 1982, according to coach Terry Wallace.

The race to earn a finals berth is a tight one with just two and a half wins separating fourth-placed Sydney from 11th-placed Carlton.

The Tigers have won five of their past six matches to storm into finals contention but they face a tough next three weeks with matches against Geelong, Adelaide in Adelaide and Hawthorn before finishing with games against Fremantle and Melbourne at the MCG.

Wallace said it was important for his side to win games against fellow finals contenders.

"I don't know the answer to that but to be honest I think it matters which wins (you get)," he said when asked about the finals equation confronting his team.

"If you are playing a side in similar scenarios to yourself, if you win those type of games - well it's one less they can win so I think that could have an impact but at the very least we would say we would need three victories from this stage onwards if we wanted to play finals footy."

The Tigers meet only one fellow finals contender in the run home - Adelaide in round 19.

But Richmond is not looking beyond Saturday night's clash against reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong - the team which beat them by 157 points at Telstra Dome in round six last year.

Wallace said the match will give him a good gauge on how much his side has improved.

"We know we are in the hunt for the eight and every game is critically importantly but we are also in bigger picture mode as well and trying to build a side that can formulate a finals type scenario year in, year out over more than one finals campaign."

"So to be playing against the best - for these young boys who have been able to step up (in recent weeks) is great timing, great timing for us coming off a good run."



43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL Opinion, Richmond Tigers
   


Burns still confident

July 29th 2008 06:36
COLLINGWOOD skipper Scott Burns is confident his side can still have an impact this season.

The Magpies have lost four of their past six and are in danger of dropping out of the top eight if they lose to Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night.

Burns admitted the Pies were currently going through a flat spot but said they are still capable of playing good football.

"When we’re playing at our best and doing everything that Mick (Malthouse) and the coaching staff ask, then we play some pretty good football," he said.

"We're in a bit of a flat spot and … we were a little bit down on the weekend and we want to bounce back from that."

"If it was one area that we couldn’t fix then maybe we would be in a little bit of trouble, but there's been a lot of areas that have just been little bits and pieces that I think we can tweak
and get right."

Burns also said Malthouse's comments after last Saturday 48-point loss to Essendon were taken out of context.

"Everyone's trying to make out that we don't have the cattle, whereas Mick was referring to that one game," Burns said.

Burns conceded that perhaps too much was being read into the Pies' 86-point thrashing of reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong in round nine.

"It's hard to get a gauge, but I think any game you play that there's a 15-goal result, one team hasn’t rocked up, hasn’t quite been there," Burns said.

"There was talk about our tackling, but we were down in a lot of areas compared to the preliminary final that we lost (to Geelong in 2007), so we didn’t do things as well as what we did six months earlier, but we won by nearly 15 goals."

Burns also dismissed suggestions that a lack of pace through the middle was one of the reasons why the Pies are currently struggling.

"It's a very boring argument," he said.

"Every time you pick up a paper or hear a radio, a team gets beaten and they've got a lack of leg speed."

"They looked slow today - well, you always look slow when the opposition is getting it."

"It's a combination of a lot of things, a lot of that run has to do with the half-backs too … and the forwards coming up, it's not just the three or four players at the centre bounce."

"If you're not winning the ball in close, you're always trailing."

Burns said number one ruckman Josh Fraser, who has not played for Collingwood since round 12 because of a knee injury sustained in the Hall of Fame Tribute match in May, rucked and jumped well in the VFL on Sunday and trained strongly on Tuesday.

But he said Fraser may struggle to earn a recall this weekend given the five-day turnaround.



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


McDonald re-signs

July 29th 2008 05:54
MELBOURNE co-captain James McDonald will play on in 2009 after signing a new one-year deal.

McDonald, who won the Demons' best-and-fairest award in 2006 and 2007 will line up for his 13th season next year.

The 31-year-old said he was looking forward to playing a role in Melbourne's rise back up the ladder.

"I am delighted to have re-signed with Melbourne and am looking forward to continuing my career here at the club," he said on Tuesday.

"We're heading in the right direction and I realise that I have a role to play as an individual in the team and as a player that can assist and help develop the young list that we have."

McDonald was selected by Melbourne in the rookie draft in 1997 and has played 212 matches and kicked 49 goals.

He debuted in 1997 and had a career-best year in 2006, earning All-Australian selection and also representing Australia in the International Rules series.


42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Harvey won't change tactics

July 29th 2008 02:45
NORTH MELBOURNE midfielder Brent Harvey says he will continue baiting future opponents.

Harvey stood by the remarks he made to Melbourne's Lynden Dunn in last Sunday's game at the MCG but said he would keep what was said on the field on the field in the future.

"I won't change my game. Whoever I get I'll probably say stuff to but I won't be telling you guys," said Harvey.

Harvey has also been accused by the Demons of playing for free kicks but the 30-year-old said it was no longer a part of his game.

A view shared by his captain Adam Simpson, who said Harvey had only received 12 free kicks in 17 games this season.

"If he's been diving it hasn't been working," Simpson said.

North faces eighth-placed Brisbane at Carrara on Saturday night in what shapes as being a season-defining match.

A win for North will ensure it remains fifth at the end of the round but a loss could see it tumble out of the eight.

"It's going to determine where we're going to end up, so (it's) pretty much our biggest game of the year," Simpson said.

"We know how important it is to win this week. Five games to go, we probably need to win three at least to play finals footy."


38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Goodes should not have played: Roos

July 29th 2008 02:26
SYDNEY midfielder Adam Goodes could be sidelined for two to three weeks with a mystery groin ailment.

Swans coach Paul Roos admitted yesterday the dual Brownlow medallist should not have play last weekend.

"I'd spoken to him after the warm-up, and said 'mate, how are you feeling?', and he said 'I'm feeling good'," said Roos.

"All you can do is go on what they're telling you.

"Clearly he shouldn't have played on the weekend, he wasn't able to contribute at all and it impacted significantly on our ability to win a game of footy."

Goodes struggled in his side's narrow win over Carlton two weeks ago and managed just eight possessions in the Swans' 24-point loss to Adelaide at the SCG last Saturday night.



36
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Key Cats set to return

July 29th 2008 02:10
GEELONG looks set to be bolstered by the return of veteran defender Darren Milburn and tagger Cameron Ling for Saturday night's clash against Richmond at Telstra Dome.

Milburn was a late withdrawal from last Friday night's blockbuster against Hawthorn with illness while Ling has missed the past fortnight with a fractured cheekbone.

Geelong football operations manager Neil Balme said Milburn and Ling were strong chances to play against the Tigers.

"There is almost no doubt about Darren and Lingy," Balme said.

"Lingy trained really well last week, so we would be very surprised if he didn't come up."

Balme also said star midfielder Gary Ablett Jnr and hard-running defender David Wojcinski who have been sidelined for the past fortnight with a sprained ankle and achilles strain respectively were in line for a recall.

"With the other two [Ablett and Wojcinski] we are confident of both of them, but there is no certainty on either of them, it just depends on whether they are sore or not."



45
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL Opinion, Geelong Cats
   


Ebert wins nomination

July 29th 2008 01:54
WEST COAST midfielder Brad Ebert has been rewarded for his impressive performance against St Kilda at Subiaco Oval last Saturday with the round 17 NAB Rising Star nomination.

The 18-year-old collected 25 possessions and booted three goals in the Eagles' 17-point win over the Saints.

Ebert was taken by the Eagles with pick No.13 in the 2007 national draft and has played 13 games so far this season.

West Coast coach John Worsfold said Ebert was highly rated by the club.

"Brad has impressed us all with his attitude and willingness to learn from the day he joined the club," Worsfold said.

"He earned his opportunities through outstanding form in the WAFL and has shown why our recruiting staff rated him so highly last year."

Ebert is the nephew of South Australian football legend Russell Ebert and the cousin of Port Adelaide forward Brett Ebert.

He is West Coast’s second nomination this season following Ben McKinley in round five.


38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Dunn accepts reprimand

July 29th 2008 01:46
MELBOURNE midfielder Lynden Dunn has accepted a reprimand for striking North Melbourne's Brent Harvey at the MCG last Sunday.

The 21-year-old will carry over 93.75 points towards his future record, but will be available for selection for the Demons' clash with Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.



37
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


McManus calls it quits

July 29th 2008 01:39
FREMANTLE veteran Shaun McManus will retire after this weekend's western derby against West Coast.

The 228-game veteran, who is the Dockers' last remaining foundation player said it wasn't an easy decision to retire.

"It was a difficult decision to come to in the sense that you always want to play forever," said McManus.

"And, the enjoyment I've had of putting on my jumper and representing the club, the community, the supporters has been amazing and to come to the decision, to give that up is a difficult one."

"This is really surreal. I've seen so many other people do this, had to stand here or sit here and do this today, (I'm) sure it won't sink in for quite a while."

"(But) I think that I've really, really given my heart and soul for this club ... I've let everybody know what type of person I am. I've let them get to know me in all kinds of areas and ...
hopefully, at this club, inside these rooms, people appreciate that and see me as an important part of their life," he said.

McManus said he wanted to finish his career on a high note.

"I wanted to play a few more games just to show that before, when I wasn't traveling too well or moving too well, it was an aberration not the end of my career, or me hobbling off the field," said McManus.

"And, I feel now that I've played a few games and I've showed that I'm running around in good spirits ... that it's a good time to move on."

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said the 32-year-old had made an enormous contribution to the club.

"With Shaun, when you look back at Fremantle and its inception, the place needed someone to stand up and Shaun's done that for 14 years now," Harvey said.

"When they write the history books of Fremantle, Shaun will be chapter one of where it begun and that's how I see Shaun."



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Harris to leave Eagles

July 28th 2008 09:48
WEST COAST assistant coach Darren Harris will not continue with the club beyond this season.

Harris, who was a part of the coaching structure that guided the club to the 2006 premiership spoke to coach John Worsfold today and will explore other opportunities in football and business at the end of the home-and-away season.

"John and I have come to a mutual agreement that I won't be renewing my contract in 2009," Harris said.

"I will continue until the end of the season with a key focus on growing the squad and maintaining the highest professional standards.

"I am currently exploring options in both the business and football world that could see me return to Victoria.

"The West Coast Eagles have provided me with a fantastic learning opportunity and I thank them for allowing me to develop my skills in this environment. My relationships with John, the players and fellow coaches are something I am very proud of and these will remain strong.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute and will only ever speak of the club in the highest regard and know that their future will be a very positive one."

Worsfold said Harris played an important role in West Coast's success during his time at the club

"Darren has made a strong contribution to the club in the last three years and certainly played his part in our success in that time," he said.

"I wish him every success in the future."



35
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Magpies duo free to play

July 28th 2008 08:02
COLLINGWOOD small forwards Alan Didak and Leon Davis are free to play in Friday night's crucial clash against Hawthorn at the MCG after being cleared by the match review panel on Monday.

The news is a major boost for the Magpies who have lost four of their past six and could drop out of the eight if they lose to the Hawks.

Didak was reported for striking Essendon's Henry Slattery but the panel ruled that the contact made was as a result of a pushing motion rather than a strike and was below the impact required to constitute a report.

Davis had been booked for making forceful contact from front-on against Essendon's Jobe Watson but the panel ruled it was not forceful and was only caused by Davis being pushed from behind by another player.

In other tribunal news, Essendon's Scott Lucas was cleared of striking Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien. The panel ruled that Lucas' strike was below that required to constitute a reportable offence.

Port Adelaide's Nick Lower was also cleared of making forceful front-on contact against Fremantle's Brett Peake. The match review panel deemed that Lower approached the contest bent down and with his right hand down in an effort to gain control of the ball. Although Lower did make high contact with Peake, he had no realistic alternative way to contest the ball.

Melbourne midfielder Lynden Dunn was the only player to be charged by the panel this week.

Dunn, who was reported for twice striking Kangaroos' star Brent Harvey in the space of a minute at the MCG on Sunday, had one charge thrown out but the other one was ruled a level two striking offence.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point), drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match ban. Dunn has no existing good or bad record and can accept a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record with an early plea.


40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Tredrea out for season

July 28th 2008 05:42
PORT ADELAIDE skipper Warren Tredrea will require a full shoulder reconstruction and will miss the remainder of the season.

Tredrea injured his shoulder when he was tackled in the last quarter of Port's 28-point loss to Fremantle at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

Port coach Mark Williams said Tredrea would be offered a contract for next year.

"We talked to Warren about his future and he’s certainly going to be offered a contract for next year,” Williams said.

“This year, I’ve really noticed his passion for tackling and chasing and things that we haven’t really seen for his whole career, so that’s been great.

“His attitude is one of disappointment for the club and where we are, but he’s pretty confident [he can come back]. He’s a determined guy and if he can overcome the knee injuries he’s had, this is pretty run of the mill for him.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Steven Salopek is also likely to miss the remaining five games after suffering a recurrence of his achilles tendon strain on Sunday.



39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Hawks right in the hunt: Mitchell

July 28th 2008 04:17
THE race for the 2008 premiership is far from over according to Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell.

Mitchell was proud of the Hawks' commitment and effort in their 11-point loss to reigning premiers Geelong at the MCG last Friday night.

The Cats have been backed into $1.60 favouritism in some markets to secure back-to-back premierships after just one loss so far this season but Mitchell said the narrow defeat showed his team was well and truly in the mix to secure this year's flag.

"I think it shows we're in the ballpark," Mitchell said.

"We're not miles off it."

"Geelong were too good for us on the night and we made too many mistakes to be competitive. We need to try and improve those things. We don't just want to mix it with the top side, we want to be able to beat them."


38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Eagles re-sign key duo

July 28th 2008 03:54
WEST COAST utility Quinten Lynch and midfielder Matt Rosa have signed new deals with the club.

A club spokesman said it was not "club policy" to reveal the length of the new contracts and even refused to detail when the duo's current contracts expired.

Lynch has been one of West Coast's most consistent performers in 2008, playing every game this season while Rosa has not played since round 10 due to shin-splints, but he remains an important part of the club's future.

Meanwhile, long-serving fitness coach Stuart Cormack has accepted a position with Essendon.

Cormack, who has been with West Coast for eight seasons said he was moving back to Victoria for family reasons.

"I have two kids under the age of two and my wife and I have no immediate family support in WA. I love the footy club and have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, but we need to go back to Melbourne," Cormack said.

"If it was purely a professional decision I would never leave. The club has been terrific to me, I have the greatest respect for everyone at the club and would have enjoyed being involved in the process of building the team back towards finals contention



37
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Miller dumped for football reasons: March

July 28th 2008 02:10
RICHMOND president Gary March said the club’s decision to severe ties with former director of football Greg Miller was football-based and aimed at giving the Tigers the best chance of on-field success in the future.

March said the club had to act now to ensure they were in a good position when it came to making their most important football decisions in October.

“What we wanted to do was not be behind the rest of the field,” March said.

“It’s well documented there’s a number of clubs out there looking for different people … what we didn’t want to do was miss the best available person once we’d made the decision to move forward.”

March also admitted the way the Tigers handled Miller's departure from the club was not ideal.

“In an ideal world, I would have sat down with Greg and we would of discussed it and worked on his departure,” he said.

“I’m disappointed it came out that way and I expressed that disappointment when I met with him yesterday.”



37
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Miller steps down

July 27th 2008 23:16
GREG Miller has bowed to pressure and stood down as Richmond's director of football.

Miller has been in the position for six years and is the first casualty of the club's review of the football department, which is being conducted by president Gary March and two of his board members.

March said both parties agreed to go their separate ways.

"It was agreed by both parties that Greg would step down immediately from his role as general manager of football operations," March said.

"I would like to thank Greg Miller for his six years of tireless service to the Richmond Football Club.

"He has been integral in the rebuilding of our young list.

"Greg should be proud of his work with the Richmond Football Club and I would like to specifically acknowledge his dedication to our club coterie groups and supporters over the years."

The review has also reportedly cast doubt over the future of Richmond assistant coach Jade Rawlings.

But Richmond coach Terry Wallace said he had been assured by March and new director Tony Free that Rawlings' position was safe.

Wallace was also confident his own position was safe and that he would coach the club in 2009.


38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Blues overrun Dogs

July 27th 2008 09:50
CARLTON has kept its slim finals hopes alive with an impressive 28-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

The Blues trailed by as much as 37 points early in the third term but ran over the top of the Bulldogs in the final stanza to record a gutsy 18.18 (126) to 15.8 (98) victory.

The win sees Carlton move to 11th place on the AFL ladder, just a game and percentage outside the top eight with five rounds remaining.

Blues skipper Chris Judd was influential in the middle with a game-high 32 possessions and one goal. He received good support from Nick Stevens (31 disposals), Heath Scotland, Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy, who all racked up 20-plus possessions.

Brendan Fevola benefited from the quality supply from the midfield, booting six goals - five of which came in the second half while 100-gamer Simon Wiggins and impressive young ruckman Matthew Kreuzer chimed in with four and three goals respectively.

For the Bulldogs, Daniel Cross (27 possessions) worked hard all night while skipper Brad Johnson and Mitch Hahn booted three goals apiece.

The Blues started better, kicking two of the first three goals of the match but majors from Jarrod Harbrow and Daniel Giansiracusa in time-on ensured the Dogs would go into the first change in front, holding a five-point lead.

The Bulldogs broke the game open in a dominant second term, slamming on seven goals to three to take a commanding 26-point lead into the main break.

The contest appeared to be over when the margin blew out to 37 points at the 11-minute mark of the third term.

But the Blues lifted and responded with the last three goals of the third quarter to get themselves back into the match, with the Dogs holding an 11-point advantage heading into the final change.

Carlton smashed the Dogs in the middle in the final stanza, winning the clearance count eight to three as they slammed on six unanswered goals to seal their eighth win of the season.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.3, 10.4, 15.6, 15.8 (98)
CARLTON: 2.4, 5.8, 12.13, 18.18 (126)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Hahn 3, Johnson 3, Harbrow 2, Hill 2, Boyd, Giansiracusa, Gilbee, Minson, R. Murphy
Carlton: Fevola 6, Wiggins 4, Kreuzer 3, Betts, Judd, Murphy, Scotland, Stevens
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Cross, Gilbee, Cooney, Hahn, Murphy, Hargrave
Carlton: Judd, Fevola, Stevens, Waite, Wiggins, Scotland
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: Addison (knee)
Carlton: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Williams (Western Bulldogs) replaced in selected side by Everitt
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Meredith, Avon
CROWD: 37,879 at Telstra Dome



43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Roos move to fifth

July 27th 2008 07:09
NORTH MELBOURNE has moved back into the top eight with a 28-point win over Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Roos' 14.14 (98) to 10.10 (70) victory sees them move to fifth place on the AFL ladder, just four premiership points behind fourth-placed Sydney with five rounds remaining.

Brent Harvey did his Brownlow medal chances no harm with 27 possessions and two goals. Lindsay Thomas and Corey Jones were lively up forward, booting five and four goals respectively while skipper Adam Simpson (30 disposals) was also influential.

The Kangaroos broke the game open in a dominant first term. Harvey set the tone with two goals and six touches in the opening stanza while Jones chimed in with three majors to help his side to a commanding 36-point lead at quarter-time.

Melbourne stemmed the flow of goals in the second term but their poor decision making and poor use of the football prevented them from making any serious inroads on the scoreboard, with the Roos holding a 38-point advantage at the main break.

Both sides traded goals in the third term before back-to-back majors from Michael Newton gave the Demons a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, with North holding a 31-point advantage.

When Colin Sylvia kicked truly Melbourne had closed to within 19 points and were in with a sniff.

But the Kangaroos had all the answers with three last-quarter goals from Thomas sealing North's third straight win.

MELBOURNE: 1.3, 3.4, 6.8. 10.10 (70)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 7.3, 9.6, 11.9, 14.14 (98)
GOALS: Melbourne: Miller 3, Newton 2, Davey, Morton, P Johnson, Sylvia, Valenti
North: Thomas 5, Jones 4, Harvey 2, Petrie, Hale, Campbell
BEST: Melbourne: Jones, McDonald, P Johnson, Buckley, Miller,
North: Thomas, Harvey, Simpson, Jones, Gibson, Rawlings, Hale, Pratt
INJURIES: Melbourne: Nil
North: Nil
UMPIRES: McLaren, Fila, Hendrie
REPORTS: Lyndon Dunn (Melbourne) reported by field umpire Scott McLaren for striking Brent Harvey (twice) in the third quarter
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 21,330 at MCG


44
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Dockers make it two in a row

July 27th 2008 06:26
FREMANTLE has strung together back-to-back wins for the first time this season with a 28-point win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Dockers got the early jump and survived several challenges from Port, evenutually prevailing 20.9 (129) to 15.11 (101).

Fremantle shared the load up forward in the absence of injured skipper Matthew Pavlich with a club record 16 individual goalkickers. Rhys Palmer continued his impressive debut season with a team-high 31 possessions and one goal while Ryan Crowley was also influential with 28 disposals and two goals.

For Port, Kane Cornes (39 possessions) tried hard all day while Justin Westhoff and skipper Warren Tredrea booted four goals apiece.

The Dockers did as they pleased against a flat and undiscplined Port side in the first term.

Their willingness to move the football quickly through the middle paid dividends as they slammed on six unanswered goals to take a commanding 36-point lead into quarter-time.

The Power finally got on the scoreboard when Dean Brogan kicked truly just two minutes into the second quarter.

It sparked the Power into action with Tredrea and Westhoff damaging up forward in the second term, booting three and two goals respectively for the quarter to get Port to within 13 points of the Dockers at the main break.

Westhoff was proving to be a handful up forward and kicked the first two goals of the second term and when Domenic Cassisi goaled on the run the Power had hit the front for the first time in the match and seemingly had all the momentum.

But Fremantle responded, taking control of the midfield as they slammed on seven of the next eight goals to take a 27-point lead into the final change.

The Dockers then maintained their advantage in a free-flowing, goal-for-goal fourth term to seal just their fourth win of the season.

PORT: 0.3, 6.5, 11.6, 15.11 (101)
FREMANTLE: 6.3, 8.6, 15.9, 20.9 (129)
GOALS: PORT: Tredrea 4, Westhoff 4, Cassisi 2, Motlop 2, Brogan, Pearce, S.Burgoyne
FREMANTLE: Mark Johnson 3, McPharlin 2, Crowley 2, Carr, Grover, Sandilands, Murphy, McManus, Tarrant,
Peake, Mayne, Mundy, Head, Ibbotson, Palmer, Thornton
BEST: PORT: K.Cornes, Westhoff, Tredrea, Cassisi, Pearce
FREMANTLE: Palmer, Crowley, Schammer, Sandilands, Carr, Mayne, Michael Johnson,
INJURIES: PORT: Tredrea (right shoulder)
FREMANTLE: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Pavlich replaced in the selected side by Palmer.
UMPIRES: Stewart, Chamberlain, Jeffery


35
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


No excuses, says Lyon

July 27th 2008 02:39
ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon was last night offering no excuses for his side's 'bitterly disappointing' loss to West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints held a 26-point lead over the Eagles in the second quarter but eventually lost by 17 points.

"I'm loath to offer excuses because I thought they were in the end the better team on the day," Lyon said.

"I think today highlights how difficult this competition is. You need to be on your game otherwise you're not going to get the result you desire."

"We'll recover, we'll drive ourselves again and we'll fight for where we want to be."

"We've got five really big games (and) the season's still well and truly alive ... it's a bitterly disappointing loss but we've got to analyse it and move on really quickly," he said.

Lyon said his team was outplayed by the Eagles but admitted his side's poor use of the football and the loss of key defender Max Hudghton to a calf injury didn't help their cause.

"We lost Hudghton in the first five minutes, which structurally put us under some pressure and change on what is a big ground," Lyon said,

"I thought we slaughtered the footy (with) a lot of clanger kicks. We won the contested ball, we tackled pretty well, as did they (but we) gave them too much rope and they hung us."

Lyon also said some of West Coast's lesser likes hurt his side.

"I thought some of their good players we controlled in (Matt) Priddis and (Andrew) Embley, and even (Dean) Cox wasn't enormous."

"But they had a few bob up that got away from us, Lynch and a few others. Staker's first half midfield (work) and goals, so they had a couple who got under the guard," he said.


40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Malthouse questions Pies' ability

July 27th 2008 00:36
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse has questioned whether his side is good enough to be a genuine finals contender following the Pies' 48-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Saturday.

"Frankly, I don't know if we are good enough," Malthouse said.

"We just don't have the cattle playing well enough at either end of the ground and, even more important, in the middle."

The loss all but ended Collingwood's hopes of making the top four and they are now in danger of missing the finals completely if their form doesn't turn around soon.

Malthouse described his team's effort as "terrible".

"Eight goals was a reflection on how they played - and how we played. Essendon was terrific, we were terrible."


42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Crawford set to return

July 27th 2008 00:25
SHANE Crawford looks set to return for Hawthorn's clash against Collingwood at the MCG on Friday night.

Hawthorn football operations manager Mark Evans said yesterday Crawford was a strong chance to play against the Pies after impressing on the training track.

"We will need to see how Shane goes this week, but he trained really well last Tuesday," Evans said. "His form on Tuesday suggests he will be every chance to play against Collingwood on Friday."

The 33-year-old has managed only seven matches this season because of suspension and knee tendonitis but Evans said there had been considerable improvement in the knee over the past fortnight.

"The longer it has gone on, it has actually been settling down better and better," Evans said.

Stuart Dew (hamstring), Clinton Young (back) and Ben McGlynn (quad) are also chances to earn a recall.

"Stuart has had a really good patch of training now -- the last three weeks his intensity at training has been game-like. If he goes that way again at the start of next week, he would be a good chance," Evans said.


68
Vote
Comments (1)Comments (1) Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


AFL plans to keep top eight

July 27th 2008 00:18
THE AFL is unlikely to expand the finals format when the two new teams enter the competition.

The league confirmed this week it had been presented with several options for a nine or 10-team final series but AFL chief operating officer Gillon McLachlan said it was unlikely the finals series would change.

"We always review things and our procedures after every year," McLachlan said.

"But we're very comfortable with the finals.

"We think it's fair, easy to understand and works well. I doubt it will change."



56
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


We only have ourselves to blame: Matthews

July 27th 2008 00:12
BRISBANE has only itself to blame for their narrow loss to Richmond at Telstra Dome on Saturday night, according to coach Leigh Matthews.

The Lions led by 25 points at the last change and by eight points at the 27-minute mark of the final term but went down by three points when Richmond veteran Joel Bowden kicked truly from about 45 metres out with just 22 seconds remaining.

The loss was the Lions' fourth in a row in Victoria and puts their finals hopes in jeopardy.

With nine wins and eight losses, the Lions now find themselves level with St Kilda, Collingwood and Adelaide and just half a game ahead of the Tigers with five rounds remaining.

Matthews said his team paid the price for not making the most of their opportunities in front of goal.

"They took their shots really well and kicked really accurately," he said of the Tigers.
"We generated a host of shots (34 to 27) but missed too big a percentage and that was the biggest single reason why they won and we didn't."

Matthews said the Lions' output during their dominant third term compared to Richmond's output during the final stanza was the difference between the two sides.

"When Richmond was in control (in the final term) they kicked 8.2 but in the third quarter we kicked 6.6," he said.

"And unless you dominate the game (for four quarters) you can't kick inaccurately and win generally."



54
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Crows back in the eight

July 26th 2008 13:15
ADELAIDE has moved back into the top eight with a 24-point win over Sydney at the SCG on Saturday night.

The Crows' 11.11 (77) to 6.17 (53) victory ended a five-match losing streak and was their ninth win in their past ten meetings against the Swans.

It was Sydney's third loss in its past four matches and was another lost opportunity to consolidate a position in the top four.

The contest failed to reach any great heights with the first 15 minutes of each quarter goal free while the third term produced just seven behinds.

Chris Knights and Tyson Edwards were busy contributors in the middle for Adelaide with 27
possessions apiece while Jason Porplyzia showed his class with five goals.

For Sydney, Ryan O'Keefe (35 possessions) tried hard all night but failed to have an impact on the scoreboard while Brett Kirk collected 27 disposals.

Barry Hall was well held by Ben Rutten in his comeback game, managing just one goal late in the match.

The Swans kicked the first goal of the match through Darren Jolly but the rest of the term belonged to the Crows.

After missing their first five shots on goal Adelaide slotted three in two minutes to open up a nine-point lead at quarter-time.

Adelaide should have been further in front but failed to make the most of their chances, booting a wayward 3.6 for the term.

The Crows broke the game open in the second term, booting five goals to two with Porplyzia kicking three for the quarter as Adelaide took a handy 23-point lead into the main break.

The Swans trailed by 21 points at three-quarter time after neither side managed to kick a goal in the third term.

Sydney had their chances but failed to capitalise in front of goal, hitting the post six times in the second half, including costly misses from Hall, O'Keefe and Jarrad McVeigh in the final term.

A long goal from Brad Symes opened the scoring at the five-minute mark of the final term before Porplyzia secured the four premiership points for the Crows with his fourth major.

SYDNEY: 2.3, 4.8, 4.12, 6.17 (53)
ADELAIDE: 3.6, 8.7, 8.10, 11.11 (77)
GOALS: SYDNEY: Jolly, Ablett, Bird, O'Dwyer, Hall, Mathews
ADELAIDE: Porplyzia 5, Goodwin 2, Campbell, Gill, McKay, Symes
BEST: SYDNEY: O'Keefe, Kirk, Mattner, Richards, Kennelly
ADELAIDE: Porplyzia, Knights, Rutten, Vince, Edwards, Symes, Maric, Bassett
INJURIES: SYDNEY: Playfair (hamstring)
ADELAIDE: van Berlo (concussion)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Malceski replaced into the selected side by Mathews. Massie replaced in the selected by Moran.
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Armstrong, McInerney





45
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Tigers win thriller

July 26th 2008 13:07
RICHMOND has kept its slim finals hopes alive with a thrilling three-point win over Brisbane at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The Tigers trailed by 25 points heading into the final change but lifted in the last term, slamming on eight goals to three to record a gutsy 18.9 (117) to 16.18 (114) win.

Surprise losses suffered earlier in the day by Collingwood and St Kilda means the Tigers are now only half a game outside the top eight

Richmond veteran Joel Bowden was the Tigers' hero yet again - this time in attack - after booting three goals in the final term, including the matchwinner.

It came after he last weekend earned a mixture of praise and criticism for twice rushing behinds to run down the clock in the final seconds of the Tigers' narrow win over Essendon.

Matthew Richardson was also influential with 22 touches, 17 marks and three last-quarter goals while skipper Kane Johnson (31 disposals) worked hard all night. He recieved good support from Richard Tambling, Nathan Foley, Brett Deledio and Shane Tuck, who all racked up 20-plus possessions.

For Brisbane, Travis Johnstone was a busy contributor in the middle with 18 disposals and two goals while Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw booted three goals apiece.

The Lions controlled play in the first term but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 3.6 to take a 10-point lead into quarter-time.

Brisbane skipped out to a 22-point lead early in the second term and looked on course for a rare win in Melbourne in 2008.

But the Tigers started to get on top at the stoppages and kicked five of the next seven to take a two-point lead into the main break.

Brisbane dominated in the middle in the third term and punished the Tigers for their poor use of the football, slamming on six goals to two to take what appeared to be a match-winning 25-point lead into the final change.

The Tigers came out firing in the final term, slamming on five goals in a stunning 13-minute burst to hit the front.

The Lions responded and appeared to be home when Justin Sherman goaled on the run to extend Brisbane's lead to eight points at the 27-minute mark.

But Richmond refused to give in and hit back through Richardson before Bowden coolly slotted home his third major with just 22 seconds remaining to seal a memorable win.

RICHMOND: 2.2, 8.4, 10.7, 18.9 (117)
BRISBANE LIONS: 3.6, 7.8, 13.14, 16.18 (114)
GOALS: Richmond: Brown 4, Richardson 3, Bowden 3, Riewoldt 2, Deledio, Simmonds, Bowden, Morton, Schulz, White
Brisbane: Brown 3, Bradshaw 3, Johnstone 2, Sherman 2, Brennan, Corrie, Black, Copeland, Drummond, Charman
BEST: Richmond: Tambling, Bowden, Tuck, Johnson, Richardson, Deledio, Foley, Brown
Brisbane: Drummond, Black, Johnstone, Brown, Dalziell, Patfull
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Brisbane: Nil
UMPIRES: Stevic, H Ryan, S Ryan
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 31,275 at Telstra Dome







41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Eagles upset Saints

July 26th 2008 09:28
WEST COAST has snapped a seven-game losing streak and in the process dealt a blow to St Kilda's top-four hopes with a 17-point win at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon.

The Eagles worked their way back into the contest after a sluggish start before steamrolling the Saints in the final term to record an impressive 15.13 (103) to 12.14 (86) victory.

The Saints now find themselves six premiership points adrift of fourth-placed Sydney who play Adelaide at the SCG tonight. St Kilda is now in danger of dropping outside the top eight if the Crows and North Melbourne win later in the round.

The loss was made worse for St Kilda with key defender Max Hudghton suffering a thigh injury in the first term. He took no further part in the match.

Brent Staker was influential in the middle for West Coast with 22 disposals and three goals, including a team-lifting one from 50m after taking four bounces at the 19-minute mark of the second term.

Promising youngster Brad Ebert was also damaging with 25 possessions and three majors. Quinten Lynch (28 touches) and Michael Braun (27 possessions) were busy contributors while Mark LeCras chimed in with four majors.

For St Kilda, skipper Nick Riewoldt booted five goals in his 150th AFL game while Lenny Hayes (31 possessions) tried hard all day.

Riewoldt was proving to be too much to handle for youngster Matthew Spangher in the first term but he failed to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a wayward 1.3.

The Eagles made the Saints pay for their wastefulness in front of goal with majors from Staker and Ebert to reduce the deficit to just 14 points at quarter-time.

St Kilda pulled away again early in the second term with majors from Riewoldt and Stephen Milne extending the lead out to 26 points.

But the West Coast midfield lifted and started to win their fair share of the football at the stoppages as they slammed on the last four goals of the term to close to within one-point at the main break.

St Kilda started the third term brightly, booting goals through Luke Ball and David Armitage to skip out to a handy break.

But the Eagles hit back with three of the next four to take a two-point lead into the final change.

West Coast should have been further in front at three-quarter time but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 3.6.

LeCras kicked the crucial first goal of the final term but the Saints hit back through Riewoldt to level the scores at the eight-minute mark.

It looked as if the contest would go down to the wire but a 65m bomb from Lynch sparked a run of goals that sealed West Coast's third win of the season.

WEST COAST: 2.3, 6.5, 9.11, 15.13 (103)
ST KILDA: 4.5, 6.6, 9.9, 12.14 (86)
GOALS: West Coast: LeCras 4, Ebert 3, Staker 3, McKinley, Seaby,Lynch, S. Selwood, Nicoski
St Kilda: Riewoldt 5, Milne 2, Montagna, Goddard, Ball, Armitage, Gram
BEST: West Coast: Staker, Ebert, Braun, Mackenzie, Lynch, Nicoski, Wilkes
St Kilda: Riewoldt, Hayes, Goddard, Eddy, Milne
INJURIES: West Coast:
St Kilda: Hudghton (thigh),
UMPIRES: Nicholls, Kamolins, Ellis
REPORTS: nil
CHANGES: nil
CROWD: 34,037 at Subiaco Oval



65
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Bombers smash Pies

July 26th 2008 07:37
ESSENDON has dealt a major blow to Collingwood's top-four aspirations with a 48-point win at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Bombers were in control for most of the day and eventually prevailed 19.14 (128) to 11.14 (80).

The Magpies have now lost their past two to trail fourth-placed Sydney, who play Adelaide at the SCG tonight by six premiership points with just five rounds remaining.

Andrew Welsh was Essendon's best with 29 disposals and four goals while Jobe Watson was also damaging in the middle with a game-high 41 possessions.

Ruckman David Hille was influential in the ruck with 24 touches, ten hit-outs and one goal while skipper Matthew Lloyd chimed in with four majors.

Rising Star nominee Kyle Reimers continued his impressive season with three goals while Ricky Dyson was also a busy contributor with 26 disposals.

For Collingwood, Dane Swan (26 possessions) tried hard all day while Travis Cloke booted three goals first-half goals.

The Bombers dominated the opening term, racking up 58 more possessions than the Magpies and entering inside their forward 50 six more times.

Their attack on the football and willingness to run hard paid handsome dividends as they slammed on the first five goals of the match, with Welsh booting three inside the first ten minutes to help his side to a 28-point lead at the first change.

The Magpies lifted their intensity after quarter-time and got themselves back into the contest with a five-goal-to-two second term to reduce the deficit to just nine points at the main break.

When Alan Didak goaled on the run just 15 seconds into the third quarter it appeared as if the Magpies would run over the top of the Bombers.

But Essendon responded in emphatic fashion, slamming on five goals in a 13-minute burst to skip out to a 33-point lead.

Late goals to John Anthony and Leon Davis gave the Magpies a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, with Essendon holding a 21-point advantage.

Collingwood kicked the the first goal of the final term through Paul Medhurst to close to within 13 points but the Bombers had all the answers with back-to-back majors from Reimers and goals from Adam McPhee and Welsh putting the result beyond doubt.

ESSENDON: 5.7, 7.10, 12.11, 19.14 (128)
COLLINGWOOD: 1.3, 6.7, 9.10, 11.14 (80)
GOALS: Essendon: Welsh 4, Lloyd 4, Reimers 3, Monfries 2, McPhee 2, Stanton, Jetta, Lovett-Murray, Hille
Collingwood: Cloke 3, Didak 2, Davis 2, Anthony 2, Medhurst 2
BEST: Essendon: Hille, Welsh, Watson, Lonergan,
Dyson, Lloyd
Collingwood: Swan, Burns, Cloke, O'Bree, Wellingham
INJURIES: Essendon: Nil
Collingwood: Nil
REPORTS: Scott Lucas (Essendon) reported by field umpire James for striking Harry O'Brien (Collingwood) in the first quarter; Alan Didak (Collingwood) reported by field umpire Head for striking Henry Slattery (Essendon) in the third quarter
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Donlon, James, Head
CROWD: 64,785 at the MCG



44
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Hawks better for the run: Clarkson

July 26th 2008 01:03
HAWTHORN has gained invaluable experience ahead of this year's finals series, according to coach Alistair Clarkson.

Under Clarkson's reign the Hawks have only twice played in front of crowds in excess of 70,000.

Last night Hawthorn went down to reigning premiers Geelong by 11 points in front of more than 86,000 fans, but Clarkson said the experience of playing in front of a finals-like crowd would benefit his side in the long term.

"You just can't buy that type of opportunity, 85,000 people or thereabouts against a quality opponent like Geelong who have taken all before them in the last 18 months," Clarkson said.

"For us to compete as well as we did, we're disappointed we didn't get across the line but, as I said before the game, win or lose tonight just the exposure our lads got to that type of contest was outstanding for them."

Clarkson admitted his side's lack of polish proved to be costly.

Poor skill errors and decision making resulted in three Geelong goals, including the match-winner after Luke Hodge turned the ball over in the centre square.

"Geelong demonstrated at the crunch of the game that they're a little bit more polished than what we are at the present time," he said.

"We got some important opportunities through the middle of the ground that we just didn't capitalise on, right throughout the course of the game but particularly in the last quarter when the game was there for the taking."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said his side showed a greater will to win than the Hawks.

"In the end I thought our will to win was better than the opposition's, especially by some of our midfielders," Thompson said.

"What they said to us in the end and to the footy world was they didn't want to lose this game of footy. They probably went over and above the call of duty, some of them, to help this team get over the line."

But Thompson dimissed any suggestions his side would gain any psychological edge as a result of the win.

"I don't think tonight counts that much as we didn't win it convincingly. We never crushed them, it was a really tight affair so they should be pretty proud of their efforts too, Hawthorn," he said.

"They haven't lost any respect tonight."


43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Bulldogs to blame for redevelopment crisis, says council

July 26th 2008 00:29
THE City of Maribyrnong says the Western Bulldogs were to blame for the Whitten Oval bungle.

The dispute was over the City of Maribyrnong's alleged refusal to issue a permit for the Victorian University to establish an education and training centre for 140 students and 45 teachers at the redeveloped Whitten Oval.

City of Maribyrnong Mayor Michelle MacDonald said allegations the council had refused to provide a planning permit for the proposal were false.

"For the sake of our community we want this project to occur. However, the Bulldogs organisation has bungled the management of the redevelopment," she said.

MacDonald said the council first learnt of the Victoria University proposal through rumours in early 2007 and that the Bulldogs did not lodge the necessary planning application until last April.

"The Bulldogs were well aware that in line with council's need to follow due process, including community consultation, we would not be able to make a decision on the application until this September," she said.

MacDonald also said the partnership between the two had been "shattered".

"It's council's responsibility to ensure this is done in the right location that doesn't adversely impact on our community."

"Three years ago we entered into an exciting partnership with the Bulldogs and the State Government.

"After this latest stunt by the Bulldogs administration, this partnership has now been shattered."

Bulldogs president David Smorgon said the club was forced to take action via the State Government to ensure the project would be completed otherwise they would have been on the brink of financial ruin.

"When the original town planning permit application was advertised in 2006, there was not one objection from the local community," Smorgon said.

"We are therefore puzzled as to why council would insist on such an extensive and protracted period of public consultation across the whole of the municipality, rather than in the immediate and surrounding area to which the development has effect.

"The only component of the redevelopment that became off-track was the prolonged and unnecessary use of process to delay the various approvals which has resulted in the State Government's intervention."


41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Cats won't risk Chapman

July 26th 2008 00:12
GEELONG forward Paul Chapman could miss the next fortnight after injuring his hamstring during the Cats' 11-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG on Friday night, according to coach Mark Thompson.

Chapman suffered the injury during the second quarter and played no further part in the match.

Thompson said the Cats will most likely err on the side of caution and not rush Chapman back with the finals just around the corner.

"We were toying with the idea of bringing him back so it's not a big one. It is there and we just didn't want to risk him," Thompson said.

"It's not worth it this time of year so he'll be away in ice for a couple of weeks, maybe one or two weeks, and hopefully have a good run at the finals."

Meanwhile, Thompson said late withdrawal Darren Milburn (virus) was on Friday afternoon still a possibility to face the Hawks despite receiving three litres of fluid via a drip the previous night.

It was not until 3pm on Friday that the Cats finally ruled out the All-Australian defender, who was well enough to watch the game from the stands.


40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Cats hold off Hawks

July 25th 2008 13:01
GEELONG has consolidated its place at the top of the AFL ladder with a hard-fought 11-point win over Hawthorn in a classic contest at the MCG on Friday night.

The Cats were challenged all night by the Hawks in a match worthy of a grand final, but eventually prevailed 12.16 (88) to 11.11 (77).

The crowd of 86,179 was the largest to attend a home-and-away game featuring teams other than Collingwood, Essendon and Carlton

The win was soured somewhat for the Cats with classy forward Paul Chapman injuring his hamstring in the second term. He took no further part in the match.

James Bartel was Geelong's best with a game-high 36 possessions and two goals. He received good support from Joel Corey, Corey Enright and impressive youngster Joel Selwood, who racked up 30-plus disposals while Steve Johnson was lively up forward with 26 possessions and three majors.

For Hawthorn, skipper Sam Mitchell was a busy contributor in the middle with a team-high 33 possessions while Lance Franklin was dangerous all night but failed to make the most of his opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.5.

The Cats blew the game open in the first term, booting four unanswered goals in a stunning 10-minute burst to take a handy 19-point lead into quarter-time.

Back-to-back goals from Jarryd Roughead and Campbell Brown got the Hawks back into the contest but a major from Bartel gave the Cats some breathing space.

The Hawks hit back through Franklin but some untidy work by Brent Guerra and Xavier Ellis in defence resulted in a goal to Ryan Gamble, which put Geelong 17 points in front at the main break.

Hawthorn applied immense pressure all over the ground in the second half as they booted three goals to one in the third term to reduce the deficit to just four points heading into the final change.

When Mark Williams kicked truly just 35 seconds into the final term the Hawks had hit the front.

Hawthorn could have extended their lead but Rick Ladson failed to capitalise in front of goal.

The Cats made the Hawks pay by kicking the next two through Bartel and Max Rooke to regain the ascendancy.

But the Hawks refused to give in and reduced the deficit to just one straight kick when Franklin kicked his fourth after Cyril Rioli laid a brilliant tackle on Rooke.

Brown could have levelled scores from 20m out but his set shot sprayed wide.

It proved to be a costly miss with Johnson kicking the match-winner after Luke Hodge turned the ball over with a short kick off his non-preferred side.

HAWTHORN: 3.2, 6.5, 9.8, 11.11 (77)
GEELONG: 6.3, 8.10, 9.12, 12.16 (88)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Franklin 4, Brown 2, Roughead 2, Williams 2, Bateman
Geelong: S. Johnson 3, Bartel 2, Chapman 2, Enright, Gamble, Mooney, Rooke, Stokes
BEST: Hawthorn: Mitchell, Ellis, Franklin, Bateman, Croad, Birchall
Geelong: Selwood, Bartel, S.Johnson, Corey, Kelly, Ottens
INJURIES: Hawthorn: TBC
Geelong: Chapman (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Milburn (Geelong) replaced in selected side by D.Johnson
UMPIRES: McBurney, Rosebury, Schmitt
CROWD: 86,179 at the MCG



54
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Milburn out

July 25th 2008 09:32
GEELONG has suffered a blow ahead of tonight's blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG with veteran defender Darren Milburn a late withdrawal.

Milburn has been replaced by David Johnson, who has not played since round 21 last year while the Hawks will go in as named.


42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Round seventeen teams

July 25th 2008 07:27
ROUND SEVENTEEN

All the teams for round seveteen of the 2008 AFL premiership season, with Sunday's updated teams.

HAWTHORN v GEELONG
Friday, 7:40pm AEST, MCG
HAWTHORN
B: Ladson, Gilham, Guerra
HB: Brown, Croad, Birchall
C: Lewis, Mitchell, Ellis
HF: Bateman, Franklin, Osborne
F: Rioli, Roughead, Williams
FOLL: Campbell, Hodge, Sewell
I/C: Stokes, Murphy, Taylor, Tuck
EMG: Clarke, Dowler, Morton
IN: Stokes
OUT: Morton

GEELONG
B: Harley, Scarlett, Mackie
HB: Taylor, Milburn, Enright
C: Kelly, Rooke, Bartel
HF: Gamble, Mooney, S.Johnson
F: Stokes, Lonergan, Chapman
FOLL: Ottens, Corey, Selwood
I/C: Blake, Varcoe, Prismall, Hunt
EMG: Hogan, Byrnes, D.Johnson
No Changes

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD
Saturday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
ESSENDON
B: Atkinson, Fletcher, Nash
HB: Slattery, Ryder, McPhee
C: Reimers, Watson, Ramanauskas
HF: Monfries, Lloyd, Lucas
F: Jetta, Laycock, Lonergan
FOLL: Hille, Welsh, Stanton
I/C: Peverill, Dyson, Lovett-Murray, Michael
EMG: Hooker, Magin, Williams
IN: Fletcher
OUT: Neagle

COLLINGWOOD
B: H.Shaw, Wakelin, Lockyer
HB: Clarke, Maxwell, O'Brien
C: Johnson, Burns, R.Shaw
HF: Pendlebury, Cloke, Bryan
F: Didak, Brown, Medhurst
FOLL: Wood, Swan, Thomas
I/C: O'Bree, Anthony, Davis, Wellingham
EMG: Stanley, Goldsack, Toovey
IN: Davis
OUT: Goldsack

WEST COAST v ST KILDA
Saturday, 2:10pm WST, Subiaco Oval
WEST COAST
B: Nicoski, Mackenzie, Stenglein
HB: Selwood, Wilkes, Embley
C: Braun, Priddis, Staker
HF: Wirrpanda, Hansen, Armstrong
F: LeCras, Lynch, Seaby
FOLL: Cox, Fletcher, McNamara
I/C: McKinley, S.Selwood, Ebert, Spangher
EMG: Houlihan, McGinnity, Notte
IN: Braun, Armstrong, Seaby, Spangher
OUT: Kennedy (knee), Glass (thigh), Houlihan, Davis

ST KILDA
B: Gram, Hudghton, Dempster
HB: Goddard, Gilbert, S.Fisher
C: McQualter, Dal Santo, Hayes
HF: Harvey, Riewoldt, Eddy
F: Jones, M.Gardiner, Armitage
FOLL: King, Ball, Montagna
I/C: Blake, Milne, Schneider, Fiora
EMG: Geary, Rix, Birss
IN: M.Gardiner
OUT: Koschitzke

RICHMOND v BRISBANE LIONS
Saturday, 7:10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
RICHMOND
B: Newman, Thursfield, Moore
HB: White, McGuane, McMahon
C: Richardson, Tuck, Deledio
HF: Cotchin, Riewoldt, Morton
F: Brown, Schulz, Edwards
FOLL: Simmonds, Johnson, Foley
I/C: Tambling, Jackson, Bowden, Pattison
EMG: Hyde, Meyer, Tivendale
IN: Richardson, Jackson
OUT: Hughes (back), Polo

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Drummond, Merrett, Patfull
HB: Copeland, Roe, McGrath
C: Corrie, Black, Notting
HF: Rischitelli, Brown, Brennan
F: Stiller, Bradshaw, Clark
FOLL: Charman, Power, Johnstone
I/C: Collier, Adcock, Dalziell, Sherman
EMG: Hooper, Harding, Hawksley
IN: Adcock, Sherman
OUT: Hooper, Harding

SYDNEY v ADELAIDE
Saturday, 7:10pm AEST, SCG
SYDNEY
B: Bevan, Roberts-Thomson, Mattner
HB: C.Bolton, Richards, Kennelly
C: Jack, McVeigh, Bird
HF: R.O'Keefe, Goodes, Ablett
F: Playfair, Hall, Moore
FOLL: Jolly, Kirk, J.Bolton
I/C from: Everitt, Malceski, Grundy, O'Dwyer
EMG: Mathews, Smith, Brennan
IN: Hall, Malceski
OUT: O'Loughlin (ankle), Barry (hamstring)

ADELAIDE
B: Massie, Rutten, Bassett
HB: Symes, Bock, Doughty
C: van Berlo, Goodwin, Vince
HF: McLeod, Gill, Douglas
F: Porplyzia, Tippett, Knights
FOLL: Maric, Thompson, Edwards
I/C: Campbell, Stevens, Shirley, Mackay
EMG: Moran, Otten, Petrenko
IN: Gill, Mackay, Porplyzia
OUT: Jericho (hamstring), Moran, Johncock

PORT ADELAIDE v FREMANTLE
Sunday, 12:40pm CST, AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Pettigrew, Carlile, Lower
HB: Surjan, Chaplin, Lonie
C: Cassisi, K.Cornes, Boak
HF: Rodan, Tredrea, Salopek
F: J.Westhoff, D.Motlop, Ebert
FOLL: Brogan, S.Burgoyne, Pearce
I/C from: Bentley, Logan, Thurstans, M.Westhoff, Stewart, Deluca, Thomas
IN: Boak, Deluca, Stewart, Thomas, Thurstans, M.Westhoff
OUT: C.Cornes (shoulder/knee), Lade, Thomson

FREMANTLE
B: Thornton, Grover, Mi.Johnson
HB: Head, McPharlin, Mundy
C: Ibbotson, Crowley, Duffield
HF: Farmer, Tarrant, Mayne
F: McManus, Pavlich, Murphy
FOLL: Sandilands, Schammer, Carr
I/C from: Peake, Bradley, Ma.Johnson, Campbell, Palmer, Dodd, Warnock
IN: Murphy, Palmer, Duffield, Bradley, Campbell
OUT: O'Brien,

MELBOURNE v NORTH MELBOURNE
Sunday, 2:10pm AEST, MCG
MELBOURNE
B: Whelan, Garland, Warnock
HB: C.Johnson, Bell, Dunn
C: Morton, Bruce, Buckley
HF: Sylvia, Bate, Davey
F: Newton, Miller, McDonald
FOLL: Jamar, Bartram, Jones
I/C: Martin, Valenti, P.Johnson, Maric
EMG: Carroll, White, Wonaeamirri
IN: Maric, McDonald
OUT: Wheatley (calf), Wonaeamirri

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Watt, Firrito, Pratt
HB: Harding, Gibson, Urquhart
C: Harvey, Harris, Campbell
HF: Hansen, Hale, Jones
F: McMahon, Petrie, Thomas
FOLL: Goldstein, Simpson, Wells
I/C from: Power, Grant, Rawlings, Grima
EMG: Sinclair, Brown, Riggio
IN: Grima
OUT: Ross (ankle)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON
Sunday, 4:40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Morris, Lake, Hargrave
HB: Addison, Williams, Gilbee
C: Eagleton, Boyd, Cross
HF: Murphy, Hahn, Johnson
F: Akermanis, Minson, Welsh
FOLL: Hudson, Cooney, Griffen
I/C from: Tiller, Harbrow, Giansiracusa, Hill, Ward, Everitt, Ray
IN: Hill, Ward, Williams
OUT: -

CARLTON
B: Carrazzo, Jamison, Thornton
HB: Scotland, Waite, Stevens
C: Russell, Judd, Simpson
HF: Murphy, Hartlett, Wiggins
F: Betts, Fevola, Fisher
FOLL: Cloke, Gibbs, Grigg
I/C from: Kreuzer, Hampson, Browne, Armfield, Austin, Bentick, Walker
IN: Hampson, Browne, Armfield,
OUT: -




42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Power right to face Tigers

July 25th 2008 07:07
BRISBANE midfielder Luke Power is '99 percent right' to play in Saturday night's clash crucial clash against Richmond at Telstra Dome, according to coach Leigh Matthews.

Power, who has been in doubt throughout the week with a shoulder complaint joined his teammates in a light run at the Junction Oval in St Kilda on Friday afternoon.

"We didn't think he was going to be OK really, but he trained yesterday afternoon, he did a fitness test and he'll run around tonight so I would have thought he's 99 percent now," Matthews said.

Matthews played down the Lions' poor record in Victoria in 2008 - one win from five matches.

"We beat Carlton down here earlier in the year, Melbourne beat us by a point, the Bulldogs have been beating most teams and Essendon, who are in pretty good shape, beat us the other week, so I think you can get a bit carried away with all that," he said.

He also said playing away from home shouldn't have too much of an influence on the outcome.

"The home team is always a little bit advantaged by the home venue but it doesn’t make a monstrous difference between winning and losing."



45
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Cousins cuts ties with Port

July 25th 2008 06:53
FORMER West Coast captain Ben Cousins' stint with VFL club Port Melbourne has ended before it began.

The 30-year-old has decided to train with East Fremantle and Perth for the remainder of year in a bid to ressurect his AFL career next season.

The 2005 Brownlow medallist was sacked by the Eagles late last season and subsequently suspended for a year by the AFL for bringing the game into disrepute following a series of off-field indiscretions.


44
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Finals not the only focus, says Craig

July 25th 2008 05:23
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig says he won't sacrifice his game plan in order to play finals football.

The Crows have lost their past five matches and need to win at least four of their last six games to climb back into the eight but Craig said he won't be making any major changes to his team's game style which he believes will help deliver the club's next premiership.

"If you concentrate too much on the end result, finals, finals, finals, which is what everyone talks about and people do the calculations ...

"I understand why they do it, but we as a playing group and a coaching group can't get caught up in that because then you lose your focus and your thought process about what we should be doing to get the result we want," Craig said on Friday.

"There are a lot of people who can focus on the end result for us and give us feedback on how many games there are and what you've got to do to win them.

"We've got 50,000 supporters doing that for us; we've just got to concentrate on our end. We can go two ways. We can persist with the situation we're in at the moment or we can let it consume us and we're going to persist; persist very strongly.

"I think it's important for us to hold our nerve, otherwise we start chopping and changing. Whilst we know where we want to go this year, we've also got to have an eye on long-term and some consistency in what we do."



46
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Malthouse rules out using Fraser as a forward

July 25th 2008 04:51
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse has ruled out using number one ruckman Josh Fraser as a forward.

Fraser wasn't selected to play against Essendon at the MCG on Saturday afternoon and will instead line up for the club's VFL side in an effort to regain match fitness.

The 26-year-old, who has been hampered by a knee injury picked up while representing Victoria in the Hall of Fame Tribute match hasn't played for the Pies since round 12.

Malthouse said on Friday that Fraser would be of little value to the Pies solely as a forward.

"He's got to play the role that he's best accustomed to and that is ruck, and if he goes forward they'll be cameos," said Malthouse.

"Josh can play forward, but not as a permanent forward - he needs to be able to ruck and go forward."

"He hasn’t really got the history of being a straight forward."

Malthouse also said that Fraser wouldn't be recalled until he was able to ruck again.

"We have elected not to play him until the medical people believe that he is capable of rucking again."

"He hasn’t gone down in any of our calculations of where he sits - he's the No.1 ruckman in this football club - so we can get rid of all the rumour and innuendo, guesswork and second guessing that he is dropping in the pecking order."

Meanwhile, Malthouse suggested Essendon is better-placed injury-wise than they are letting on.

"My forward scout (saw) 35 players training on their ground, 35 of which 11 are now playing in their Bendigo side tomorrow and 11 and 22 equals 33," he said.

"That's 33 players that they've got to pick from - it's hardly 24, 25."

"I know one thing for sure, the 22 (selected to play Collingwood) are very dangerous."



47
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Johncock's future in his hands: Craig

July 25th 2008 04:34
THE future of Adelaide defender Graham Johncock is in his own hands, according to coach Neil Craig.

Johncock will miss Saturday night's crucial clash against Sydney at the SCG after being dropped for his 'standards of preparation'.

Craig said the 25-year-old was still a required player but that he needed to meet the standards expected by the club.

"In the end if Graham can't get back to the standards that's required that'll be his call," Craig said.

"We want Graham to finish his career at our footy club at a very high standard."

Craig also said a number of issues contributed to the decision to drop Johncock.

"It's a combination of form and Graham probably losing focus on the things which are really important for our club and for him to play good footy," he said.

"That's tied up with training, that's tied up with recovery, it's tied up with lifestyle away from the footy club."

"Nothing disastrous, but not to a level which is conducive to playing at this level."

"Graham had received a lot of feedback on that so it wasn't just a one-off. What the playing group are now saying to Graham is we need to see a response in those areas, we know you can come up to those standards because we've seen that before."


40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Hall's issues not fair game: Craig

July 25th 2008 02:55
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig has urged his players not to use Barry Hall's highly-publicised personal issues as a tactic to put the Sydney spearhead off his game on Saturday night.

Hall, who has missed the past two matches due to a club-imposed ban, was given the all-clear by Sydney's psychologist Grant Brecht to play against the Crows at the SCG.

Craig said he expected his players to play within the spirit of the game.

“Barry plays really physical and I don’t think that will change. I expect our players to play it physical and go really hard at the footy and when you get two opponents playing physical, there will be some verbal because it’s the nature of the game,” Craig said.

“I certainly don’t expect and wouldn’t want our players to use Barry’s personal situation [as a tactic]. I don’t think we need that tool to get the result we want.”



57
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Scott rules out Gold Coast move

July 25th 2008 02:31
FREMANTLE assistant coach Chris Scott says he won't be taking a development coaching role with the Gold Coast franchise.

"Yes I have (ruled myself out)," Scott said.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for the right person but in my view I am nine months into my coaching career and to put my name forward for that position would be the wrong thing to do.

"I am very committed to Fremantle and we have a long term plan that I'm keen to stay a part of."

Scott also declared impressive young midfielder Rhys Palmer a certain starter for Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Palmer missed last Sunday's 46-point win over Melbourne at Subiaco Oval and it had been flagged by coach Mark Harvey that Palmer could require season-ending knee surgery.

But the 19-year-old will play against the Power after getting through two training sessions this week.

"With the problem he's got it is questionable whether or not he needs surgery," Scott said.

"It's a possibility, but we will just manage him and it makes his first season even more remarkable given that he has done it with this problem. Our medical staff made the call that he's right to go and we will back them in."



43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


AFL praises Victorian Government

July 25th 2008 01:50
THE AFL has praised the Victorian State Government for intervening in a planning wrangle that threatened to bankrupt the Western Bulldogs.

The dispute was over the City of Maribyrnong's refusal to issue a permit for the Victorian University to establish an education and training centre for 140 students and 45 teachers at the redeveloped Whitten Oval.

The government's decision to override the council and grant the relevant permit freed-up $6-million in funding which allowed the redevelopment to go ahead.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said the Bulldogs were on the verge of financial ruin.

"They were on the brink," Demetriou said.

"They've got a $6-million hole which was being put in jeopardy as part of their redevelopment - couldn’t make any headway with local government which was terribly frustrating."

"That jeopardised that project and that would have tipped them over the edge and if not for the intervention of the State Government which we congratulate and commend, we would be talking about some real tragic things at the Western Bulldogs."

"They would have been almost bordering on insolvent."

Meanwhile Demetriou said on 3AW that he was in contact with Channel Seven as late as Thursday in an attempt to have Friday night's Hawthorn-Geelong blockbuster at the MCG televised live.

But he said the network refused to change its programming schedule and that 'Better Homes and Gardens' was locked-in for the 7.30 timeslot.

"In the original agreement that we struck up with Nine and Foxtel that Seven and Ten matched, it was provided in that agreement that all Friday night football would be live, but that was varied at Seven's request because they wanted to show it at 8.30 and have a lead-in program," Demetriou said.

"We thought (a live telecast) would be a good idea this week given that it's a sell-out."

"We've tried, but we haven’t been successful."


39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Johncock axed by Crows

July 25th 2008 01:37
ADELAIDE defender Graham Johncock will miss Saturday night's must-win clash against Sydney at the SCG after being stood down by the club due to his lack of professionalism.

The Crows have lost their past five matches to find themselves outside the top eight for the first time since round one.

Adelaide football operations manager John Reid said the 25-year-old had failed meet the expected standards of preparation.

"Graham’s form in the last month hasn’t been very good and he knows that. Coupled with that is the fact that some of his attention to detail in preparation has been a bit below par,” Reid said.

“You’ve got to be in the inner sanctum to understand all that [the reasons behind the decision]. Graham’s form has been miles below his best and his preparation hasn’t been up to scratch and that covers a myriad of things.

“He understands that and I’m pretty proud of the way he’s actually coped with that at the moment.”

“He’s going about rectifying that ASAP because we need him in our side and he’s a very good player.”

Johncock will for SANFL side Port Adelaide Magpies this weekend alongside Port veteran Peter Burgoyne, who was suspended by the Power for one-match for presenting himself in an unfit manner for training.


41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Ebert re-signs

July 24th 2008 08:07
PORT ADELAIDE forward Brett Ebert has signed a new three-year deal which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Ebert has played 92 games and kicked 144 goals since debuting in 2004 after being drafted under the father-son rule in 2002.

The 24-year-old was instrumental in getting Port to last year's grand final, booting 56 goals.

Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said Ebert is a key part of the club's future.

"Brett's improvement over the past couple of seasons is a real credit to him," Williams said.

"To now be at the point where he's earned a long-term contract with our club says a lot for how far he's come, and is a credit to our development program as well."

"We're really looking forward to what he can bring us in the years ahead."

Ebert returned the praise to his senior coach, saying Williams had played a major role in his development as a footballer.

"The way he (Williams) has worked with me has been outstanding, he's a great coach," Ebert said.

"It's great to be able to stay at the same club and stay with the same bunch of guys and the same coaching staff. The club has shown a bit of faith in me, so now it's up to me to repay that on the field."



54
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Round seventeen teams

July 24th 2008 07:15
ROUND SEVENTEEN

Friday, July 25
Hawthorn v Geelong at the MCG, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday, July 26
Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
West Coast Eagles v St Kilda at Subiaco Oval, 2.10pm AWST
Richmond v Brisbane Lions at Telstra Dome, 7.10pm AEST
Sydney Swans v Adelaide at the SCG, 7.10pm AEST

Sunday, July 27
Port Adelaide v Fremantle at AAMI Stadium, 12.40pm ACST
Melbourne v North Melbourne at the MCG, 2.10pm AEST
Western Bulldogs v Carlton at Telstra Dome, 4.40pm AEST

HAWTHORN v GEELONG
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson
HB: Campbell Brown, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Xavier Ellis
HF: Chance Bateman, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Tom Murphy, Travis Tuck, Simon Taylor, Cam Stokes
EMG: Tim Clarke, Beau Dowler, Jarryd Morton

In: Stokes
Out: Jarryd Morton

GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Max Rooke, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, Ryan Gamble
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Corey, Joel Selwood
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe
EMG: David Johnson, Simon Hogan, Shannon Byrnes

No change

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD
ESSENDON
B: Jarrod Atkinson, Dustin Fletcher, Jay Nash
HB: Adam McPhee, Patrick Ryder, Henry Slattery
C: Kyle Reimers, Jobe Watson, Adam Ramanauskas
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas
F: Leroy Jetta, Jason Laycock, Sam Lonergan
Foll: David Hille, Andrew Welsh, Brent Stanton
I/C: Mal Michael, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Damien Peverill, Ricky Dyson
EMG: Cale Hooker, Rhys Magin, John Williams

In: Fletcher
Out: Jay Neagle (ankle)

COLLINGWOOD
B: Heath Shaw, Shane Wakelin, Tarkyn Lockyer
HB: Martin Clarke, Nick Maxwell, Harry O’Brien
C: Ben Johnson, Scott Burns, Rhyce Shaw
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Sharrod Wellingham, Leon Davis, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, Tyson Goldsack, Alan Toovey

In: Davis
Out: Tyson Goldsack

WEST COAST v ST KILDA
WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Eric Mackenzie, Tyson Stenglein
HB: Adam Selwood, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Michael Braun, Matt Priddis, Brent Staker
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Steven Armstrong
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Mark Seaby
Foll: Dean Cox, Chad Fletcher, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley, Scott Selwood, Matt Spangher
EMG: Tim Houlihan, Pat McGinnity, Tony Notte

In: Braun, Armstrong, Seaby, Spangher
Out: Kennedy (knee), Glass (thigh), Houlihan, Davis.

ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Robert Eddy
F: Clint Jones, Michael Gardiner, David Armitage
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Adam Schneider, Jason Blake, Stephen Milne, Aaron Fiora
EMG: Jarryn Geary, Michael Rix, Shane Birss

In: M. Gardiner
Out: Justin Koschitzke (susp)

RICHMOND v BRISBANE LIONS
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Will Thursfield, Kelvin Moore
HB: Jordan McMahon, Luke McGuane, Matt White
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Mitch Morton
F: Nathan Brown, Jay Schulz, Shane Edwards
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Adam Pattison, Richard Tambling, Daniel Jackson, Joel Bowden
EMG: Chris Hyde, Danny Meyer, Greg Tivendale

In: Richardson, Jackson
Out: Cleve Hughes (back), Dean Polo

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Robert Copeland, Jason Roe, Ashley McGrath
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Jared Brennan
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone
I/C: Tom Collier, Bradd Dalziell, Jed Adcock, Justin Sherman
EMG: Rhan Hooper, James Hawksley, Scott Harding

In: Adcock, Sherman
Out: Rhan Hooper, Scott Harding

SYDNEY SWANS v ADELAIDE
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Kieren Jack, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Goodes, Luke Ablett
F: Henry Playfair, Barry Hall, Jarred Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C: Peter Everitt, Heath Grundy, Nick Malceski, Matthew O'Dwyer
EMG: Luke Brennan, Ben Mathews, Nick Smith

In: Hall, Malceski
Out: Leo Barry (hamstring), Michael O'Loughlin (ankle)

ADELAIDE
B: Kris Massie, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Brad Symes, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Nathan van Berlo, Simon Goodwin, Bernie Vince
HF: Andrew McLeod, Nick Gill, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Chris Knights
Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Robert Shirley, David Mackay, Scott Stevens, Bryce Campbell
EMG: Brad Moran, Andy Otten, Jared Petrenko

In: Porplyzia, Gill, Mackay
Out: Luke Jericho (hamstring), Graham Johncock, Brad Moran

PORT ADELAIDE v FREMANTLE
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Kane Cornes, Travis Boak
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Steven Salopek
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Brett Ebert
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Greg Bentley, Fabian DeLuca, Matthew Thomas, Tom Logan, Toby Thurstans, Paul Stewart, Matthew Westhoff

In: Boak, Deluca, Stewart, Thomas, Thurstans, M Westhoff
Out: Chad Cornes (shoulder, knee), Brendon Lade, Adam Thomson

FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Antoni Grover, Michael Johnson
HB: David Mundy, Luke McPharlin, Josh Head
C: Garrick Ibbotson, Ryan Crowley, Paul Duffield
HF: Jeff Farmer, Chris Tarrant, Chris Mayne
F: Shaun McManus, Matthew Pavlich, Ryan Murphy
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, Josh Carr
I/C (from): Mark Johnson, Adam Campbell, Rhys Palmer, Steven Dodd, Robert Warnock, Brett Peake, Kepler Bradley

In: Murphy, Palmer, Duffield, Bradley, Campbell
Out: Brock O'Brien (hamstring), Andrew Browne (inj)

MELBOURNE v NORTH MELBOURNE
MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Chris Johnson, Daniel Bell, Lynden Dunn
C: Cale Morton, Cameron Bruce, Simon Buckley
HF: Colin Sylvia, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Michael Newton, Brad Miller, James McDonald
Foll: Mark Jamar, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Nathan Carroll, Paul Johnson, Addam Maric, Stefan Martin, Shane Valenti, Jeff White, Austin Wonaeamirri

In: Carroll, Maric, McDonald, White
Out: Paul Wheatley (calf)

New: Adam Maric (Greenvale)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Shannon Watt, Michael Firrito, Daniel Pratt
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Josh Gibson, Leigh Harding
C: Matt Campbell, Daniel Harris, Brent Harvey
HF: Lachlan Hansen, David Hale, Corey Jones
F: Scott McMahon, Drew Petrie, Lindsay Thomas
R: Todd Goldstein, Adam Simpson, Daniel Wells
I/C (from): Brady Rawlings, Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Jess Sinclair, Leigh Brown, Blake Grima, Matt Riggio

In: Sinclair, Grima, Brown, Riggio
Out: Ben Ross (ankle)

WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, BrianLake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Dylan Addison, Tom Williams, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jason Akermanis, Will Minson, Scott Welsh
Foll: Ben Hudson, Adam Cooney, Ryan Griffen
I/C (from): Andrejs Everitt, Daniel Giansiracusa, Jarrod Harbrow, Josh Hill, Farren Ray, Stephen Tiller, Callan Ward

In: Hill, Ward, Williams
Out: -

CARLTON
B: Andrew Carrazzo, Michael Jamison, Bret Thornton
HB: Heath Scotland, Jarrad Waite, Nick Stevens
C: Jordan Russell, Chris Judd, Kade Simpson
HF: Marc Murphy, Adam Hartlett, Simon Wiggins
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Brad Fisher
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Bryce Gibbs, Shaun Grigg
I/C (from): Dennis Armfield, Mark Austin, Adam Bentick, Steven Browne, Shaun Hampson, Matthew Kreuzer, Andrew Walker

In: Armfield, Browne, Hampson
Out: -






38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Burgoyne suspended by club

July 24th 2008 07:13
PORT ADELAIDE veteran Peter Burgoyne will miss Sunday's clash against Fremantle at AAMI Stadium after being handed a club-imposed one-match ban.

The leadership group decided to suspend Burgoyne for presenting himself in an unfit manner for training approximately a month ago.

The 30-year-old has missed the past three weeks with a hamstring strain and the club decided that Burgoyne would serve his one-match suspension once fit to play.

Burgoyne will instead play for the Port Adelaide Magpies in the SANFL on Saturday.


39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Dockers appoint new CEO

July 24th 2008 06:26
FREMANTLE has announced Steve Rosich as the successor to outgoing chief executive Cameron Schwab.

Rosich, who joined the Dockers in 2004 is currently the club's general manager of strategy.

Prior to taking on a senior role at Fremantle, Rosich was business operations manager at West Coast.

Fremantle president Rick Hart said after an extensive recruiting process Rosich had emerged as the best person for the job.

"During the recruiting process it became evident that our three internal applicants were clearly the best candidates for the job," Hart said.

"Given the process that we have been through, the board of the Fremantle Football Club has no doubt that Steve Rosich is the right choice."

Schwab will finish his time at the Dockers after the Western Derby against the Eagles in round 18.


40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Demons won't pursue Brown: Bailey

July 24th 2008 04:52
MELBOURNE won't continue with its bid to secure Brisbane Lions star Jonathan Brown, according to coach Dean Bailey.

Speaking at Junction Oval on Thursday afternoon, Bailey said the club was focused on rebuilding via the national draft.

Sacked chief executive Paul McNamee - who was terminated by president Jim Stynes on Tuesday night - had met with the management of the out-of-contract triple premiership forward.

Bailey said he had been involved in preliminary talks about luring Brown back to Victoria but was more interested in securing promising young talent in what is tipped to be a strong draft.

"Paul put forward a commercial proposition in regards to Jonathan Brown. We put forward the football situation and the discussion was still going," Bailey said.

"There was nothing more in it than that to be honest."

"We intend to use our national draft for our first pick and the proceeding picks to try and get the best players we can."

"I think there is enough talent in the draft for our first two picks or three picks to come out of the draft."

"I think that is a clear indication from our recruiting and a clear direction I have said for most of the year."



42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Tigers to lose major sponsor

July 24th 2008 04:10
RICHMOND will be on the search for a new major sponsor with Australian Finance Group announcing that it will sever ties with the club at the end of the season.

Tigers president Gary March said the mortgage broker company, which has sponsored Richmond since 2004 was unable to continue its support due to the changing financial climate.

"We respect the fact that due to the changing nature of global economic markets AFG are unable to continue with their sponsorship of the club," March said.

"AFG has been a terrific partner for the club and we wish them all the best in the future."


50
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Cats can be beaten, says Clarkson

July 24th 2008 03:46
REIGNING premiers and ladder leaders Geelong are not indestructible according to Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson.

The Cats have now won 34 of their past 36 matches and last weekend demolished the second-placed Western Bulldogs by 61 points without injured duo Gary Ablett Jnr and Cameron Ling.

But Clarkson says his side should not be written off.

"We've done quite well against Geelong, we've won the last three games against them so, it's not like they're indestructible and can't be defeated," he said.

However, all those victories were before the Cats winning streak and Clarkson admitted Friday night's clash would be a big test and give him a good gauge on how much his side has improved.

"We are a bit behind them in terms of the development, age and experience of our group but we respect them enormously as a club and a group of players and it's going to be a real big challenge for us on Friday night," Clarkson said.

Clarkson said the expected 90,000-plus crowd will only benefit his side come finals time.

"Irrespective of whether we win or not it's going to be an enormous experience for our players and our coaching staff," he said.

"It's getting the exposure, trying to play our game and measure ourselves against one of the best sides in the competition."



68
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Hawks prepared for Hodge birth

July 24th 2008 03:44
HAWTHORN coach Alastair Clarkson says he is prepared for the possible last-minute withdrawal of vice-captain Luke Hodge for Friday night's blockbuster clash against Geelong at the MCG due to the imminent birth of his first child.

Hodge trained with the rest of the Hawks' squad at Waverley Park on Thursday morning but may be a late withdrawal with his partner expected to give birth on Friday.

Clarkson said he was preparing his team to face the reigning premiers with and without Hodge being in the side.

"Like all pregnancies there is a two- to three-week window when Lauren (Hodge's partner) could have the baby," he said.

"If it happens to come tomorrow afternoon or late evening then Hodgey will miss the game and we will just have a contingency in place, with the emergency player waiting in case he (Hodge) gets the phone call."

Clarkson said he had no problem with the star midfielder missing the club's biggest game of the season.

"If it is the right thing for him and Lauren that he is at the birth, that's fine but you can't not prepare for it," he said.



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


No promises for Thompson

July 24th 2008 03:02
NORTH MELBOURNE forward Nathan Thompson is no certainty to earn a recall despite a strong performance in the VFL last weekend, according to coach Dean Laidley.

Thompson booted six goals for Werribee but Laidley said several factors such as form, match-ups and fitness will play a role in determining whether the former Hawk plays against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

"We've put him on a program and whether our strength and conditioning people think that's helped him in just the one week we'll sort that out with them," Laidley said.

"Whether he needs another week - the VFL have a bye this week so if he doesn’t play in the seniors he doesn't play - but I'm sure we'll work that out over the next few hours."

Laidley said defender Daniel Pratt, who is still a bit proppy after turning an ankle against the Magpies was a 'definite starter' while running defender Jesse Smith, who has been battling ongoing hamstring and ankle problems was a slim chance of playing again this year.

"Jesse Smith's on a strengthening program for his legs and it will be really interesting to see how he comes up … (but) whether he plays again, we're not too sure, this year," Laidley said.

"It's probably a bit more positive because Jesse wants to play and it's probably positive from a medical point of view, but if I had my way, I wouldn't play him for the rest of the year."

"I just think let's get it right and make sure he plays every game next year and don't take any chances, but I'm not the boss in that area."






53
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Power faces race against time

July 23rd 2008 23:15
BRISBANE midfielder Luke Power is facing a race against time to prove his fitness for Saturday night's clash against Ricmond at Telstra Dome.

Power is nursing a shoulder injury and did not take part in traning yesterday.

The Lions remain hopeful that the 28-year-old will complete training tomorrow and prove he is fit to take on fellow-top eight contenders Richmond.

Midfielder Jed Adcock (quad) and defender Joel Macdonald (ankle) also face fitness tests, but key forward Jonathan Brown (shoulder) and star midfielder Simon Black (hip) are expected to play after soldiering on against West Coast last weekend.



30
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Porplyzia pushing for selection

July 23rd 2008 23:05
ADELAIDE is considering rushing back small forward Jason Porpyzlia for Saturday night's crucial clash against Sydney at the SCG.

Porplyzia's season appeared over when he dislocated his shoulder in the Crows' 31-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG in round 15.

A medical specialist then suggested he'd be right to play after two to three weeks but just eleven days later the 23-year-old was going through his paces during a training session at AAMI Stadium on Wednesday.

Teammate Kris Massie said the coaching staff was keen to test out Porplyzia's shoulder at trianing.

"'Craigy' (coach Neil Craig) mentioned out there at training, 'if anyone wants to hold back from tackling, don't. Drive him in and really test him out.' So he actually picked out 'Trucker' (Ben Rutten) to have a crack at him," he said.

"We are serious about 'Porps' playing and I know the coaching staff will be considering him for an option up forward."

Adelaide has lost its past five matches to find itself outside the top eight for the first time since round one but Massie said Porplyzia would be striving for selection regardless of whether the team was winning or losing.

"Knowing what's happened early on in his career when unfortunately he got the chop. I think with any player you've got a real big desire and I think Porps just doesn't want to miss playing football whether we were going well or were going average, which we are at the moment," he said.

Massie also said the team was looking forward to atoning for their disappointing performance against Port Adelaide last Sunday.

"We got found out on the weekend and we are not hiding away from that. So to be able to front up against a side where that's their strength, their in and under contested football, then it's a perfect opportunity for us to rectify that and turn it around this week," he said.



30
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Palmer's season may be over

July 23rd 2008 22:55
FREMANTLE youngster Rhys Palmer may have played his last game of the season, according to coach Mark Harvey.

Harvey revealed after last Sunday's 46-point win over Melbourne at Subiaco Oval that Palmer had injured the cartilage in his knee and that he could require surgery which would sideline him for the rest of the home-and-away season.

Harvey said the promising 19-year-old would be assessed at training on Thursday and any decision would be made in Palmer's best interests.

But if fit Harvey said Palmer would play against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

"The debate is whether he has an operation or not," Harvey said on Wednesday.

"(We have to weigh up) what's best for Rhys at his age."

"He's got a cartilage problem and it's whether the medical people decide that he needs a cartilage operation at his age or he doesn't."

"If you understand, medically ... there can be a little bit of a tear in a cartilage which can turn into a major tear."

"(But) there's a lot of players that will play under duress and Rhys has been one of those guys (and) there may be an opportunity that he plays this week."

Harvey also said hard-running defender Roger Hayden would need an extra week's rest to recover from a hamstring injury he suffered against Essendon last month, while midfielder Luke Webster would play in a WAFL seconds game in Bunbury this week as continues to recover from the same radical knee surgery that Sydney's Nick Malceski underwent.


H
29
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Hall cleared to return for Swans

July 23rd 2008 22:43
SYDNEY spearhead Barry Hall will play in Saturday night's crucial clash against the Adelaide Crows at the SCG after being cleared by the club's psychologist.

Hall was suspended indefinitely by the club after being charged by the AFL match review panel with attempting to strike Collingwood's Shane Wakelin in round 14.

The Wakelin incident - in which he raised a forearm towards the Collingwood defender - came in just Hall's third match back from a seven-week suspension for king-hitting West Coast utility Brent Staker in round two.

Swans coach Paul Roos said the club's physcologist Grant Brecht believes Hall is in a positive frame of mind.

"He (the club's phycologist) is confident after speaking to Barry again today he'll be able to tick him off on Friday and he'll be right to play on the weekend,'' Roos said.

Hall said he was looking forward to getting back to playing some good football.

"I'm certainly excited I'm not a real good spectator,'' Hall said.

"I suppose from the players' and even the club's point of view from the incidents I've (been involved in), the humiliation from my point of view and what I've put the club through I just want to play some good footy now and try and put that behind us somehow.

"Saturday night is probably the first stepping stone towards that.''




27
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Neagle's season over

July 23rd 2008 06:17
ESSENDON forward Jay Neagle will undergo ankle surgery which will sideline him for the remainder of the season.

Neagle fractured his ankle in last Saturday's heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at the MCG and will have surgery on Friday.



50
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Glass in doubt

July 23rd 2008 04:45
WEST COAST skipper Darren Glass may miss Saturday's clash against St Kilda at Subiaco Oval because of a thigh strain.

Glass picked up the injury early in last Saturday night's 46-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba.

West Coast coach John Worsfold said scans conducted on Monday revealed a "a very slight strain".

Worsfold also said Glass wouldn't be risked if he wasn't 100 per cent fit,

"He got through the game which is generally the biggest indication that he might be able to get through (this weekend) but we really won't know that until the last minute," Worsfold said.

"We'll have a look how he feels (at training) tonight and we'll either make the call early in that he won't be right or we'll give him that extra time, but that will be decided tomorrow.


"If there's a high risk of him tearing it then we won't play him. Even though if he feels as though he might be able to get through we've got to read the risk and we'll do that."




29
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Demons dump McNamee

July 23rd 2008 01:41
PAUL McNamee has been dumped as chief executive of Melbourne after just four months in the job.

McNamee said he was disappointed that the new board, headed by former player Jim Stynes had decided he was not the right man to run the club.

"We had some pretty bold plans and with the new team coming in, they are going in a different direction," McNamee told Melbourne radio station SEN.

"They didn't want me to be a part of that direction so you move on."

"But it's disappointing because I haven't been there that long ... they've got an agenda and they don't see me as part of that agenda."

The departure of McNamee means the Demons - who are already facing a $2 million loss this season and are $5 million in debt - now face another financial pay-out.




56
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Fletcher a chance to face Pies

July 23rd 2008 00:42
ESSENDON looks set to be bolstered by the return of veteran defender Dustin Fletcher for Saturday's crucial against Collingwood at the MCG.

A win against the Pies would keep Essendon's slim finals hopes alive while Collingwood needs to win to keep in touch with the top four.

The Bombers remain optimistic about the prospect of Andrew Welsh recovering from conucssion in time for the clash against the Magpies. Midfielder Angus Monfries remains doubtful despite having only minor ligament damage in his foot while young forward Jay Neagle is set for season-ending ankle surgery.

This leaves the Bombers with a list of only 26 fit players, and the option of elevating another rookie, Danny Chartres.

Despite the shortage of players Essendon coach Matthew Knights said the club won't be ending Andrew Lovett's club-imposed suspension a week early.

28
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Ablett to miss blockbuster

July 22nd 2008 07:55
GEELONG star Gary Ablett Jnr has been ruled out of Friday night's blockbuster clash against Hawthorn at the MCG.

Ablett injured his ankle against Fremantle a fortnight ago and has been listed by the club as being one to two weeks from resuming.

Hard-running defender David Wojcinski will require a fitness test later in the week to take his place in the side while promising young forward Hawkins will be sidelined for another three weeks as he recovers from foot soreness.


49
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Wallace has no problems with review

July 22nd 2008 06:00
THE AFL Laws of the Game Committee is entitled to review the controversial time-wasting tactics used by Tigers defender Joel Bowden against Essendon at the MCG last Saturday, according to coach Terry Wallace.

Bowden twice walked the ball over the line from kick-outs in the final minute of the match which denied the Bombers possession.

"It's probably warranted that it gets spoken about at the Rules (Committee) level and that they have a look at different scenarios," Wallace said.

"I've heard things from giving them the ball 25-metres out from goals and then all of a sudden it becomes a seven-point play - I don't think that stacks up."

"I've heard people saying bounce the ball 25 metres out but … if you did that you would still give up the point because you would have every single player … around that next stoppage where (the ball) is not going to get out under any circumstances."

"My (suggestion) would be don't (restart the clock) until the ball has been touched in play so there's no ability to time-waste at all."

"They're all things that should be discussed, but I don't think it's (the coaches') position to make the rules - we just play to the rules that are in place."


43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Eade confident Dogs can bounce back

July 22nd 2008 05:25
WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade is confident his side will bounce back against Carlton at Telstra Dome on Sunday following their 61-point loss to reigning premiers and ladder leaders Geelong at Skilled Stadium last Saturday.

"It's a very honest group and I thought they were probably more disappointed than anybody else after the game," Eade said.

"They weren't flat but they were certainly down yesterday and disappointed in their own efforts. But we had a good review and the players are pretty positive about going forward and what we can do to rectify it."

Eade said the midfield battle will play a major role in determining the outcome of the match.

"They've got some really key players. But I think we've got to get back on the horse (and back to) what our strengths have been this year - winning the stoppages, winning the midfield and winning contested ball. It's the same every week and that's the focus," Eade said.

Eade also said skipper Brad Johnson's injured left ankle would be assessed later in the week while Mitch Hahn was certain to play despite struggling with a foot tendon injury.

Tom Williams, who hasn't played for a month because of a shoulder problem is likely to return this week while veteran midfielder Scott West is expected to return via the VFL within the next two weeks after overcoming a knee stress fracture that has kept him on the sidelines for 11 weeks.

Eade said the eventual return of West would be a major boost for the Bulldogs.

"If he gets back to three-quarters of his playing abilities I think he'll add something to the side," Eade said of West.

"Apart from being a leader and his experience, he's a pretty tough player. Either way I think any way that he can set an example for his team-mates will be terrific for us."




37
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL Draft, Western Bulldogs
   


No promises for Pettifer

July 22nd 2008 05:07
THE future of Kayne Pettifer remains in doubt with the out-of-contract Richmond forward set to be sidelined until early next year because of a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Pettifer will undergo a knee reconstruction later this week after being injured playing for the Tigers' VFL affiliate Coburg at the weekend.

Speaking at his regular Tuesday media conference, Richmond coach Terry Wallace declined to nominate Pettifer as a required player but said he was confident an arrangement could be made with the 26-year-old.

"We’ve said to Kayne we'll let him know where he stands sooner rather than later and we think that's the only fair thing, but I'm confident we’ll be able to work out something with him."

Wallace also said Pettifer, who has made just six appearances for the Tigers this season has struggled to get his body right to play consistent football at AFL level.

"He basically hasn’t had his body right since day one, and sometimes you just go through those sorts of years," Wallace said.

"He's had back-related hamstrings … and you start not getting on the track on a regular basis and that starts impacting on how you play your footy."

"It all mounts up when you're not getting continuity and that's been his lot this year."

Wallace said Pettifer was a strong chance to be ready for round one next year because scans determined that only the ACL was affected and that there was no residual damage to his knee.

In some good news for Richmond, utility Graham Polak was discharged from hospital and returned home at the weekend for the first time since sustaining serious head injuries after being struck by a tram on the 29th of June.

Wallace dimissed reports that Polak had been running around and kicking a football, but said he was progressing well.

"He's able to now do some mechanical exercises and keep himself a little bit fit just from a well-being point of view, but that's about where it stands," Wallace said.



34
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Pettifer's season over

July 22nd 2008 03:00
RICHMOND forward Kayne Pettifer will miss the remainder of the season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in the VFL on Sunday.

The 26-year-old sustained the injury while playing for Coburg against Williamstown.

Richmond operations manager Paul Armstrong said the injury was a major blow for Pettifer who was starting to find some form.

"It's disappointing for Kayne given he's had a couple of injuries this year already and was just starting to get back to full match fitness," he said.

"Unfortunately it's happened very early on the weekend during the game, and now he'll miss the remainder of the year.

"He had overcome some injury problems earlier in the season and was starting to play some good footy."

Armstrong refused to comment on how the injury will affect Pettifer's long-term future at the club.


45
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Kosi accepts one-match ban

July 22nd 2008 01:45
ST KILDA utility Justin Koschitzke will miss his side's clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday afternoon after accepting a one-match ban for striking Hawthorn midfielder Michael Osborne.

Koschitzke's second-quarter clash with Osborne during the Saints' stunning come-from-behind win over the third-placed Hawks at Telstra Dome on Saturday night was ruled as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact.

The charge was worth just 125 points meaning Koschitzke could have escaped with a reprimand by pleading guilty but his points tally rose to 206.25 points because of his past record, which equates to a two-match ban.

But because he entered an early guilty plea the points tally dropped to just 154.69 points

Koschitzke's teammate Aaron Fiora has accepted a reprimand and 40 points towards his future record for striking Osborne during the second quarter while Essendon's Jobe Watson and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh have accepted $1950 fines for making negligent contact with field umpires.



55
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL Opinion, St Kilda Saints
   


Black on verge of calling it quits

July 22nd 2008 01:31
FREMANTLE veteran Heath Black has confirmed he is on the verge of quitting AFL football.

Black, who is contracted until the end of 2010, is in talks with the club and his manager to work out the best exit strategy.

The 29-year-old dismissed reports that he had already announced his retirement “effective immediately”, but said it was unlikely he would play another game for Fremantle.

“They (effective immediately) are the words I want to clarify, that's not the case,” Black told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

“I'm working through, with the footy club and my manager Paul Connors, the best scenario for me moving forward and we are doing that on a day-to-day basis. That's effectively where it's at.

“I'm contracted for next year and with that in place, obviously you can imagine there's some things we have to work through financially and stuff like that, to work out the best possible scenario for the Fremantle footy club and myself.”

Black, who has a shoulder injury and is also battling a degenerative hip problem, said he would join his teammates at training on Wednesday.





42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Reimers grabs nomination

July 22nd 2008 00:08
ESSENDON youngster Kyle Reimers has been rewarded for his consistent season with the round 16 NAB Rising Star Award nomination.

Reimers booted one goal and collected 18 possessions in the Bombers' heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at the MCG last Saturday.

It has been a good month for Reimers who kicked two goals in Essendon’s win over Carlton and gathered 21 possessions in the Bombers' 22-point win over West Coast.

Reimers debuted in 2007 after being taken at pick No.47 in the 2006 National Draft.

He managed three games in his debut season and spent most of the year developing with the Bendigo Bombers. So far this season he has played 13 matches and has averaged 15.4 disposals per game.

Bombers team manager David Calthorpe said Reimers was one of Essendon's most promising youngsters.

“Kyle has really improved this year and he has become an important player in our young, developing side. He is one of a number of young Essendon players who have worked hard to be able to play well at this level,” Calthorpe said.

“For a young player, Kyle is very confident in his ability and continues to take the game on no what the circumstances.

“He is still learning, and needs to develop other aspects, but we are confident he will develop into a good player and that his best years are ahead of him.”

Reimers is Essendon’s second nomination this season following Bachar Houli in round one.



38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Blues hopeful Walker will play this week

July 21st 2008 23:27
CARLTON utility Andrew Walker is a chance to play only his second game of the season against the Western Bulldogs at Telstra Dome on Sunday.

Walker wrenched his ‘good’ shoulder on Sunday against Sydney and sat out the final term.

It was Walker's first game for the year after revision shoulder reconstruction surgery to his right shoulder in March.

Scans revealed the 22-year-old had only strained his left shoulder.

Walker has been passed fit to train by Carlton's medical staff and will be monitored for soreness.



54
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: No Category
   


Neagle's season may be over

July 21st 2008 22:46
ESSENDON forward Jay Neagle's season could be over after suffering an ankle injury in his side's heartbreaking four-point loss to Richmond at the MCG last Saturday.

Bombers team manager David Calthorpe said Neagle, who has a fracture in his ankle is likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.

"We will have a full diagnosis tomorrow. We believe he will probably have surgery, which will end his season, but we are still waiting for confirmation," Calthorpe said.

Meanwhile, Angus Monfries (ankle) and Andrew Welsh (concussion) must pass fitness tests to play against Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.


41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Glass to have scans

July 21st 2008 10:53
WEST COAST skipper Darren Glass is in doubt for Saturday's clash against St Kilda at Subiaco Oval, according to assistant coach Peter Sumich.

Sumich said Glass had suffered a corked quadricep during last Saturday night's 46-point loss to the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba.

"Darren Glass will have an MRI on his (quadriceps) just to make sure that's all clear," Sumich said.

"At the moment it's a corkie, we think. If the scans come through like they should, he'll be right this week."

Sumich said if Glass failed to prove his fitness then Matthew Spangher or Eric Mackenzie would be given the unenviable task of lining up on in-form St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt.

"Yeah it is (a tough match-up)," Sumich said of Riewoldt.

"Eric Mackenzie maybe. Matt Spangher's played really well in the WAFL the last fortnight and had a real good game on the weekend. So he's got a big tank.

"We'll consider those two kids and we have to go onto the kids if Darren happens not to play."

Sumich also said the Eagles had no intention of resting Dean Cox for the rest of the season despite the star ruckman aggravating a persistent foot injury against the Lions.

"You wouldn't want to say that to Coxy," said Sumich.

"He's raring to go already."

"His foot's okay, he got a bit of a kick on it, I think he was trying to clear one of the footies at a stoppage and (accidentally) kicked Luke Power."

"He's fine, he's pulled up really well and he'll be fine for this week."



39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Fevola contract talks on hold

July 21st 2008 08:22
CARLTON chief executive Greg Swann has revealed that contract negotiations with star forward Brendan Fevola will be postponed until the end of the season.

But Swann said the delay did not mean the Blues were not confident that Fevola would remain with the club next season.

"It is not a matter of being too far away from an agreement," Swann said in a club statement on Monday.

"It is more about the media attention being given to the discussions and we are keen to ensure our focus is on the remaining games of the season."

Swann said by putting contract talks on hold the club and Fevola would be able to focus on keeping their slim finals hopes alive.

"We all believe it is in the best interests of Brendan and also the Carlton team to put further talks on hold until after the season," Swann said.

"We are keen to ensure our focus is on the remaining games of the season to provide the best opportunity for the continued development of our young playing list."



43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Cornes succumbs to injury

July 21st 2008 06:36
PORT ADELAIDE star Chad Cornes' season is over after finally succumbing to knee and shoulder injuries.

Cornes will have an arthroscope on both injuries on Thursday. He will have his arm in a sling for six weeks but should be able to complete a full pre-season.

The 28-year-old will also have a pin removed from a broken finger.

Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said the club wanted to rest to the two-time All Australian earlier in the season but Cornes was desperate to keep playing.

"He certainly said 'Look I reckon I've got one more game in us'," Williams said.

"For weeks we've been battling whether we are going to pick him or not and he keeps wanting to put up his hand."

"Such is the quality of the guy and the leadership of him, he wants to play and he wants to make a difference."

"But his body didn't allow him to do anything near what he's capable of doing. You can see how many times he's fumbled the ball of late."

"I can't wait for him to get back to what we all know."
.

44
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Kosi cops a week

July 21st 2008 06:14
ST KILDA utility Justin Koschitzke has been hit with a one-match ban for striking Hawthorn's Michael Osborne during the Saints' stunning come-from-behind win over the Hawks at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

Koschitzke's second-quarter clash with Osborne was ruled as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact, equating to 125 points.

But Koschitzke's poor record meant the points tally rose to 206.25 points, which means he faces a two-match suspension if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

If the 25-year-old accepts the charge his tally will drop to just 154.69 points and he will only miss this weekend's clash againt West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday.

Koschitzke's teammate Aaron Fiora was booked for striking Osborne but he can escape with a reprimand and just 40 points towards his future record because of his previous good record.

In other tribunal news, Essendon's Jobe Watson and Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh were both fined for making negligent contact with field umpires.


39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


AFL rules out making changes

July 21st 2008 04:20
THE AFL has ruled out making any rule changes regarding deliberate rushed behinds in the wake of Richmond veteran Joel Bowden's controversial time-wasting tactics at the MCG on Saturday.

Bowden held on to the ball for the last 30 seconds of the game - deliberately rushing two behinds in the process to ensure Richmond hung on to beat Essendon by four points.

The 30-year-old's tactics meant the Bombers had no chance to get the ball back in their bid to score a winning goal and has caused heated debate in ever since.

AFL spokesman Patrick Keane said on Monday clubs had until mid-August to submit suggestions for possible rule changes for next year.

Keane also said there has been no 'internal discussions' within the AFL as to whether changes should be made to the rules governing deliberate rushed behinds.

"The current standing is that clubs have the right to raise this topic, or anything else, if they want to," he said.

"We haven't yet assessed the clubs' feedback as that is not yet completed."



39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Pettifer's season could be over

July 21st 2008 00:34
RICHMOND forward Kayne Pettifer's season could be over after injuring his knee in the VFL yesterday.

The Tigers believe Pettifer has ruptured his ACL after he was tackled early in the first quarter while playing for VFL side Coburg.

Scans today are likely to confirm the end of his season.

Meanwhile, Richmond expects to be bolstered the return of veteran Matthew Richardson for Saturday night's crucial clash against the Brisbane Lions at Telstra Dome.

Richardson, who has missed the last two matches with a combination of hamstring and knee soreness trained strongly late last week.



46
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Bulldogs duo in doubt

July 21st 2008 00:26
THE Western Bulldogs could be without skipper Brad Johnson and forward Mitch Hahn for Sunday's crucial clash against Carlton at Telstra Dome.

Hahn (plantar fasciitis) and Johnson (ankle) are both only 50-50 chances of playing against the Blues.

Johnson rolled his ankle early against Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Saturday and had to leave the field. He returned to play out the game but was sore yesterday.

Bulldogs football manager James Fantasia said Johnson would be nursed through training this week.

"He'll be very light on his feet early in the week. We just have to see how he goes but he's definitely a chance to play," Fantasia said.



58
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Fraser, Davis set to return

July 21st 2008 00:20
COLLINGWOOD looks set to be bolstered by the return of Josh Fraser andl Leon Davis for Saturday's clash against Essendon at the MCG.

Davis was a late withdrawal from the line-up against North Melbourne on Friday night because of ankle soreness while Fraser was given the week off to rest his troublesome knee.

Collingwood football operations boss Geoff Walsh said he expected Davis to prove his fitness.

"Leon's ankle is still troubling him a bit. He's a bit sore but I think he'll be right this week," Walsh said.

Walsh also said that Fraser wouldn't be used in the ruck if he played against the Bombers.

"He's OK in every aspect except the rucking component," Walsh said.




56
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Craig won't call on Walker

July 21st 2008 00:14
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig says he won't be blooding promising youngster Taylor Walker in a bid to fix his side's misfiring forward line.

Walker has kicked 33 goals in 10 games for Norwood in the SANFL but hasn't come into consideration for selection; even with the club's injuries to leading goalkickers Brett Burton and Jason Porplzyia.

Craig said playing the 18-year-old at this stage of his career could hurt his development.

"Me putting Taylor Walker into the forward line next week is not going to fix where we are going. It could put Taylor Walker back in his development, I've got a responsibility not to do that," he said.

Despite missing Burton and Porpylzia Craig said his forward line was still capable of kicking a winning score, citing Adelaide's 3.8 in the second quarter against Port Adelaide on Sunday.

"I still go back to today when we won our fair share of contested ball. We had 11 scoring shots with the same forward line that you would've seen for most of the day," he said.

"If we can get 11 scoring shots every quarter we'll be pretty happy."

Craig also said his side needed to play four quarters of consistent football if they are going to play finals football this season.

"We are going to be very demanding on all the players at our football club to get to the standard required for a full game of football," Craig said.

"We see patches of it, we see halves of it but we are not seeing full games of it which we need to do to stay in the fight for the eight."



40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Palmer's season in doubt

July 21st 2008 00:05
FREMANTLE youngster Rhys Palmer could have played his last game for the season, according to coach Mark Harvey.

Palmer, who is the favourite to win this year's Rising Star award was left out of the side that beat Melbourne by 46 points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday with what was reported as general soreness.

But Harvey revealed that the 19-year-old had suffered a knee injury and could be facing season-ending surgery in order to be right for next season.

"We've got to weigh up what we do with Rhys, the year and where he's at," said Harvey.

"(I'll) put it on the table and I hope you appreciate, he's got a knee problem at the moment so ... we're going to have to make a decision with him."

"It's not ligament, it's cartilage ... (so surgery) could be a possibility, we'll just see how Rhys trains this week."

"(We'll do) just what's right for Rhys at this particular stage," Harvey said.

In some good news for the Dockers, Harvey said experienced midfielder Des Headland was close to making his comeback from a knee injury in the WAFL, while Luke Webster is also close to resuming his career after undergoing the same revolutionary knee surgery as Sydney's Nick Malceski.


56
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Dockers down disappointing Dees

July 20th 2008 09:58
FREMANTLE has overcome a sluggish start to smash Melbourne by 46 points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The Dockers dominated after quarter-time, piling on 16 goals to five to cruise to a convincing 16.18 (114) to 10.8 (68) victory.

The win sees Fremantle skip a game clear of the bottom-placed Demons and West Coast, who look set to fight it out for the wooden spoon.

Fremantle skipper Matthew Pavlich was damaging with 28 possessions, nine marks and five goals. Byron Schammer was a busy contributor with 27 disposals and one goal while Luke McPharlin chimed in with three majors.

The Dockers struggled to generate any meaningful attacks in the first term, opting to bomb long into the forward line to a teammate that was grossly outnumbered.

Melbourne continually punished Fremantle on the rebound, moving the football quickly through the middle as they piled on five unanswered goals, with impressive youngster Cale Morton booting two for the term as the Demons took a commanding 29-point lead into quarter-time.

The Demons looked on course for a big win when Mark Jamar kicked Melbourne's sixth at the five-minute mark of the second term.

But Fremantle lifted and won the inside 50 count 20-7 in the second term. The Dockers' improved use of the football and willingness to break the lines paid handsome dividends as they slammed on the last five goals of the quarter to level the scores at the main break.

The Dockers hit the lead for the first time in the match when Shaun McManus kicked truly from a tight angle.

Fremantle continued to apply immense pressure all over the ground as they booted five more goals for the term to take a match-winning 34-point lead into the final change.

The Dockers extinguished any hopes of a comeback by Melbourne with two goals in the first two minutes of the final term to seal just their third win of the season.

FREMANTLE: 0.2, 5.9, 11.15, 16.18 (114)
MELBOURNE: 5.1, 6.3, 7.5, 10.8 (68)
GOALS: Fremantle: Pavlich 5, McPharlin 3, Ibbotson, Schammer, Carr, McManus, O'Brien, Sandilands, Tarrant, Peake,
Melbourne: Morton 2, Miller 2, Bate 2, Newton 2, Johnson, Jamar,
BEST: Fremantle: Pavlich, Ibbotson, Schammer, Head, O'Brien, Michael Johnson, Mayne
Melbourne: Davey, Wheatley, Valenti, Bruce, Morton
INJURIES: Fremantle: O'Brien (hamstring)
Melbourne: nil
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Hendrie, Avon
REPORTS: nil
CHANGES: nil
CROWD: 31,638 at Subiaco Oval



45
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Power upset Crows

July 20th 2008 08:38
PORT ADELAIDE has dealt a major blow to Adelaide's finals chances with a hard-fought 12-point win at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Power's 13.14 (92) to 11.14 (80) victory ended a five-match losing streak and consigned the Crows to their fifth straight loss.

Adelaide now finds itself outside the top eight for the first time since round one.

Daniel Motlop and Brett Ebert were the chief destroyers with four goals each while Danyle Pearce was awarded the Showdown Medal for his 24 disposals and three goals.

Steven Salopek, Domenic Cassisi and Shaun Burgoyne were all busy contributors in the middle while Kane Cornes (23 disposals) did a superb blanketing job on Andrew McLeod, restricting the dual Norm Smith medallist to just 11 disposals.

Michael Doughty was Adelaide's best with 29 disposals and two late goals. Chris Knights (28 possessions) tried hard all afternoon while Simon Goodwin booted three majors.

Port Adelaide dominated the opening term, with David Rodan, Salopek and Cassisi particularly damaging at the stoppages.

The Power managed nine scoring shots from their 15 entries inside 50 in the first quarter but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.5 to take an 11-point lead into the first change.

Both sides traded goals early in the second term before Adelaide took control.

The Crows started to win the contested football but like the Power in the first term they failed to make the most of their chances, booting seven straight behinds in a seven-minute period.

Adelaide's hard work was finally rewarded when Bernie Vince took a courageous mark and kicked truly from directly in front to put his side two points in front at the main break.

Neither side was able to break the game open in a 20-minute patch of high-pressure football before Nathan Lonie, who had a goal denied thanks to a controversial umpiring decision earlier in the term, kicked truly from 45 metres.

And when Ebert converted after the siren the Power had a handy 14-point lead heading into the final change.

A defensive error by Graham Johncock allowed Motlop to kick the first goal of the final stanza to extend Port's lead to 20 points.

The Crows got back in the contest with two goals in four minutes but the Power had all the answers with majors from Justin Westhoff, Pearce and Ebert sealing Port's fifth win of the season.

PORT ADELAIDE: 4.5, 6.6, 9.13, 13.14 (92)
ADELAIDE: 3.0, 6.8, 7.11, 11.14 (80)
GOALS: PORT ADELAIDE: Motlop 4, Ebert 4, Pearce 3, Lonie, Westhoff
ADELAIDE: Goodwin 3, Stevens 2, Vince 2, Doughty 2, Tippett, Edwards
BEST: PORT ADELAIDE: Salopek, Pearce, Cassisi, K.Cornes, Chaplin, Lonie, S.Burgoyne
ADELAIDE: Doughty, Knights, Bassett, Symes, Bock, Massie
INJURIES: PORT ADELAIDE: Nil
ADELAIDE: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Farmer, McLaren, Schmitt
CROWD: 31,662 at the AAMI STADIUM


42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Swans scrape home

July 20th 2008 06:36
SYDNEY has all but ended Carlton's finals hopes with a two-point win at Telstra Dome on Sunday afternoon.

The Swans' thrilling 18.13 (121) to 18.11 (119) victory means they now sit a game and a half clear in fourth place with six rounds remaining.

For the Blues, the loss means they slump to 11th place on the AFL ladder with a 7-9 win-loss record.

Ryan O'Keefe was Sydney's best with a game-high 29 possessions, 10 marks and three goals while Jude Bolton (26 disposals) was a busy contributor in the middle. Darren Jolly was effective in the ruck with 14 possessions, nine marks, 25 hit-outs and two goals while Jarrad McVeigh chimed in with a career-best four goals.

Brett Kirk quelled Carlton skipper Chris Judd's influence on the contest in the second half while Luke Ablett kept Nick Stevens quiet, restricting the Blues midfielder to just 11 possessions.

For Carlton, Bryce Gibbs, Heath Scotland, Andrew Carrazzo and Marc Murphy tried hard all day, racking up 20-plus possessions while spearhead Brendon Fevola booted five goals.

Gibbs also did a superb blanketing job Swans star Adam Goodes, restricting the dual Brownlow medallist to just seven disposals.

The Swans kicked the first goal of the match through Jolly but the rest of the term belonged to the Blues as they slammed on five of the next six, including four unanswered goals in a stunning 12-minute burst to take a handy 22-point lead into the first change.

Carlton should have been further in front at quarter-time but they failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 5.5.

The Blues extended their lead to 28 points at the 25-minute mark of the second term but two late goals to McVeigh kept the Swans within striking distance, with Carlton holding a 16-point advantage at the main break.

The Swans started to get on top in the midfield in the second half and kicked the first three goals of the third term through O’Keefe, McVeigh and Jarred Moore to take the lead at the 10-minute mark.

Carlton hit back with four goals in nine minutes to skip out to a 17-point lead but the Swans responded with three of the last four to close to within five points heading into the final change.

Sydney came out firing in the final stanza, slamming on the first four goals of the term to skip out to what appeared to be a match-winning 19-point lead.

But the Blues refused to give in and kicked the next three, with Betts' third major reducing the deficit to just two points with 20 seconds left on the clock.

It would prove to be as close as Carlton would get, with the Swans holding on in the dying stages.

CARLTON: 5.5, 10.9, 15.9, 18.11 (119)
SYDNEY: 2.1, 8.5, 14.10, 18.13 (121)
GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 5, Betts 3, Judd 2, Walker, Russell, Murphy, Kreuzer, Fisher, Grigg, Hartlett, Waite
Sydney: McVeigh 4, O'Keefe 3, Moore 2, Bevan 2, Jolly 2, Goodes 2, J Bolton, Playfair, Roberts-Thomson,
BEST: Carlton: Gibbs, Scotland, Murphy, Fevola, Walker, Simpson, Carazzo
Sydney: O'Keefe, J Bolton, McVeigh, Jolly, Kirk, Ablett, Bevan
INJURIES: Carlton: Nil
Sydney: Nil
UMPIRES: Stevic, Chamberlain, Kamolins
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Carlton: Nil
Sydney: Malceski (calf) replaced in selected side by Grundy





51
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


We are not getting carried away, says Lyon

July 20th 2008 02:52
ST KILDA has won four matches in a row but coach Ross Lyon admits there is still plenty of work ahead if his side is going to play finals football this season.

The Saints came from 28 points down at half-time to defeat Hawthorn by five goals at Telstra Dome on Saturday night to move to within half a game of fourth-placed Sydney with six rounds remaining.

St Kilda has winnable games against West Coast, Port Adelaide and Fremantle in the next month and could easily finish the home-and-away season in the top four.

But Lyon said his side was focused on qualifying for the finals and not a top-four finish.

"It was a critical result ... all it means is we stay in the hunt to force our way into the eight if we keep winning, but it was a pleasing effort from the group against quality opposition," he said.

"But there is no respite. We are pleased with the win, but we are not getting too carried away. They are all pretty important … we are in the hunt, but if you stop winning you are in trouble."

"It's a clear objective that we need to keep winning, but in the form we are in we are building confidence and we feel like we are getting the basics right more often."

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt has played a major role in his side's revival over the past month and put in another dominant performance against the Hawks.

Riewoldt finished the match with 22 disposals, 10 marks and six goals and drew praise from Lyon for his leadership.

"His work rate enables him to always contribute to the team," he said.

"Sometimes that work rate will allow him to kick six and sometimes it will be three but you know it's always going to be there."

"He's a significant leader of this team, as is Lenny Hayes, and from there everybody jumps in behind them."

"Leadership is everyone's responsibility, but really, you appoint a captain for a reason and you appoint a vice-captain for a reason because when you're under pressure like we were in the first half you want them to stand up and lead the way and I thought they did that."


43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Bowden was smart: Lucas

July 20th 2008 02:38
ESSENDON forward Scott Lucas says he has no problems with Joel Bowden's controversial time-wasting tactics in Saturday's game at the MCG.

Bowden deliberately rushed two behinds to run down the clock during the final minute of the game after first gaining possession of the ball when the Tigers were leading by six points.

The 30-year-old's decision to concede two behinds meant the Tigers won by four points but it also gave the Bombers no chance to get the ball back in the final minute as they attempted to conjure the goal that could have drawn or even won them the game.

Essendon fans flooded Melbourne talkback radio after the game, accusing Bowden of unsportsmanlike behaviour and called for the rule to be changed.

But Lucas said on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show that Bowden had done nothing wrong.

"It was frustrating for us but smart play by Joel Bowden," Lucas said.

"We are there to win - there were some (Essendon radio) callers that were a bit disappointed that was the finish to the game but I'm sure all the Richmond supporters went home happy that they won as a result."

Essendon coach Matthew Knights refused to condem Bowden and said the Bombers only had themselves to blame.

"It was pretty good play, full marks to Joel - he did what he had to do to win the game," he said.

"We had our opportunities, even in that last 10 minutes, with set shots on goal...and you've got to take them in this game, it's such a cut-throat league."

Richmond assistant coach Brian Royal also dismissed suggestions that Bowden had acted in an unsporting manner.

"He was ready to do it again and again, too," he said.

"We're about winning four points, and if it's doing what Joel did ... that's smart play."




41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Harding may sue over Gabba pitch

July 20th 2008 01:49
BRISBANE midfielder Scott Harding is considering suing for damages after missing four matches as a result of being slammed on to the Gabba's rock-hard surface in the Lions' win against Fremantle in round 11.

Harding, who blames the cricket pitch for his knee injury has the support of the AFL Players' Association.

"I've talked to the AFLPA and they're right behind me," Harding said.

Lions co-captain Jonathan Brown has described the cricket pitch area as concrete like and says it contributed to his 2005 groin injury.

Ruckman Jamie Charman (knee) has demanded the wicket area be fixed while Simon Black's groin injury has also been linked to the Gabba's playing surface.

"It's one for the future. It can cause injuries and it's a workplace health and safety issue," Harding said.

"Mine's the first injury as a direct result of the surface. Plus there's Blacky's groin and Charmo's knee.

"Obviously it did make the injury a lot worse. It's a hard pitch and if it had been normal grass it wouldn't have been so bad."


43
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Ablett clears the air

July 20th 2008 00:27
GEELONG star Gary Ablett Jnr has dimissed reports that his ankle injury is more severe than initially diagnosed.

Ablett has not ruled out playing in Friday night's blockbuster against Hawthorn at the MCG but will most likely play against Melbourne in round 18.

"It's the same as what the club has said all along - I badly rolled my ankle, and there was some bruising to the bone, but it was probably a two or three-week injury," Ablett said yesterday.

"I still haven't ruled out playing this week against Hawthorn, although the fact that it's a shorter week will make it really tough. More realistically, it's going to be the following week (against Melbourne).

"I just have to see how it comes along. Most of the swelling has gone down."

"I'm just using the crutches and the boot to take the pressure off the injury and help it heal quicker, but maybe that's where the rumours have come from."

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said he expected Ablett to be available in the next fortnight.

"If it's not next week, it will be the week after," Thompson said.

Thompson also said young forward Tom Hawkins, who is battling a foot injury would be right to play if the Cats needed him.

"We are looking after the boy (Hawkins) and managing the problem. If we need him running into the finals he will be right to play," he said.


44
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Saints overrun Hawks

July 19th 2008 12:47
ST KILDA has stretched its winning streak to four with a stunning 30-point win over Hawthorn at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.

The Saints trailed by more than four goals at the main break but lifted in the second half, piling on 12 goals to three to record an impressive 18.11 (119) to 13.11 (89) victory.

The win moves St Kilda into seventh spot on the ladder with a 9-7 win-loss record, while Hawthorn failed to capitalise on the Western Bulldogs' defeat and remains in third spot.

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt starred with 22 possessions, 10 marks and six goals, while Nick Dal Santo was damaging in the middle with a game-high 32 disposals and two goals.

He received good support from Leigh Montagna (31 possessions) and veteran Robert Harvey (27 disposals) while Jason Blake was influential with 23 possessions, 11 hit-outs and three goals.

Luke Hodge was Hawthorn's best with 23 disposals and two goals while Brad Sewell (24 disposals) tried hard all night. Mark Williams, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead combined for nine goals, but they all went missing when the match was up for grabs.

Williams was damaging in the first term with three of his side's five goals as the Hawks took a handy 15-point lead into quarter-time.

The Saints overused the ball in the opening half and found themselves unable to pierce Hawthorn's zone defence.

While St Kilda struggled to find an avenue to goal the Hawks looked good going forward as they kicked five goals to three in the second quarter to take a commanding 28-point lead into the main break.

St Kilda came out firing in the third term with Riewoldt kicking two goals in the first five minutes.

Roughead kicked truly to give the Hawks some breathing space but the Saints hit back with six of the next seven, including three in a stunning burst from Blake to take a handy nine-point lead into the final change.

The Saints didn't take their foot off the pedal in the final stanza, booting the first three goals through Dal Santo, Riewoldt and Jason Gram to seal an impressive come-from-behind win.

ST KILDA: 3.1, 6.3, 14.5, 18.11 (119)
HAWTHORN: 5.4, 10.7, 12.8, 13.11 (89)
GOALS: ST KILDA: Riewoldt 6, Blake 3, Dal Santo 2, Schneider 2, Jones, Koschitzke, Milne, Dempster, Gram
HAWTHORN: Franklin 3, Williams 3, Roughead 3, Hodge 2, Osborne 2
BEST: ST KILDA: Dal Santo, Riewoldt, Hudghton, Blake, Montagna, Ball
HAWTHORN: Hodge, Osborne, Ellis, Bateman, Williams, Sewell
INJURIES: ST KILDA: TBC
HAWTHORN: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Young replaced in Hawthorn's selected side by Lewis
UMPIRES: Stewart, Meredith, McInerney
CROWD: 41,886 at the Telstra Dome


59
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Lions down Eagles

July 19th 2008 12:20
BRISBANE has consolidated its place in the top eight with a 46-point win over West Coast at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Lions set up their ninth win of the season with a six-goal-to-two second term, eventually prevailing 17.11 (113) to 9.13 (67).

Bradd Dalziell was impressive on debut for Brisbane with 32 disposals. Luke Power (31 possessions) and Simon Black (27 disposals) were also damaging while Daniel Bradshaw and Jonathan Brown booted four and three goals respectively.

For West Coast, Dean Cox continued his rich vein of form with a game-high 36 disposals, 11 marks and 27 hit-outs. Andrew Embley (34 possessions) was a busy contributor while Ashley Hansen worked hard all night, finishing the match with 23 disposals, 13 marks and two goals.

The Eagles started brightly and kicked the first goal of the match through Quinten Lynch but the Lions ability to find a marking target inside 50 proved to be the difference between the two sides as Brisbane slammed on five of the next seven to take a 13-point lead into the first change.

West Coast closed to within five points in the second term when Lynch kicked his second.

But that only served to spark the Lions into action, who piled on the last five goals of the quarter to take a commanding 35-point lead into the main break.

Brisbane kicked the first three goals of the third term and looked on course for a percentage boosting win, with the margin blowing out to 54 points at the ten-minute mark.

But West Coast refused to give in and hit back with the last three majors of the term, including two to Hansen to reduce the deficit to 33 points heading into the final change.

The Eagles failed to maintain their intensity in the final term as the Lions kicked the first three goals through Ashley McGrath, Anthony Corrie and Bradshaw to put the result beyond doubt.

BRISBANE LIONS: 5.4, 11.5, 14.7, 17.11 (113)
WEST COAST: 3.3, 5.6, 8.10, 9.13 (67)
GOALS:BRISBANE LIONS: Bradshaw 4, Brown 3, Charman 3, Johnstone 2, Corrie 2, Drummond, Clark, McGrath
WEST COAST: Lynch 2, LeCras 2, Hansen 2, McNamara, Wirrpanda, McKinley
BEST: BRISBANE LIONS: Dalziell, Power, Black, Bradshaw, Brown, Drummond
WEST COAST:Cox, Hansen, Embley, Fletcher, A.Selwood, Staker
INJURIES:BRISBANE LIONS: -
WEST COAST: Glass (groin)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: -
UMPIRES: Nicholls, Ellis, Mollison
CROWD: 27,784 at the Gabba




45
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Tigers hold off Dons

July 19th 2008 07:57
RICHMOND has kept its slim finals hopes alive and all but ended Essendon's with a thrilling four-point win at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers recovered from a shocking third term to eventually prevail 16.12 (108) to 15.14 (104).

Essendon had their chances in the dying stages to secure the four premiership points but failed to capitalise in front of goal.

Nathan Foley generated plenty of run for Richmond with a game-high 31 disposals while Nathan Brown was also influential with 26 possesions, 11 marks and three valuable goals.

Brett Deledio and Mitch Morton were instrumental in setting up Richmond's four-goal lead at half-time, finishing the match with three and four goals respectively.

Brent Stanton was Essendon's best with 27 possessions, 12 marks and two goals while Scott Lucas booted three majors, including an amazing left-foot volley from deep in the pocket in the third term that will go close to securing goal of the year honours.

Jason Laycock had an afternoon he would rather forget, booting a wasteful 1.4.

Richmond kicked three of the first four goals of the match and led by 18 points before a snap from Jarrod Atkinson gave him his first goal in AFL football and reduced the margin to 12 points at the first change.

Morton and Deledio were damaging in the second term as the Tigers skipped out to a 29-point lead late in the second term.

The Bombers managed successive goals for the first time in the match when Stanton kicked two in a row but the Tigers remained in control, taking a 24-point lead into the main break.

Essendon came out firing in the third term, slamming on six goals unanswered goals to take the lead.

The comeback was made even more impressive by the fact that the Bombers were reduced to just one fit man on the bench by the five-minute mark of the third quarter.

Andrew Welsh left the game concussed late in the first term, Angus Monfries was carried off with an ankle injury 15 minutes into the second and Jay Neagle hobbled off early in the second half.

Cleve Hughes booted Richmond's only goal of the term with his first kick of the afternoon to cut the Bombers' lead to four points heading into the final change.

Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd and Laycock goaled inside the first 10 minutes of the final term, but Brown stepped up with three goals of his own to ensure the Tigers kept their noses in front.

Laycock and Stanton both had chances to put Essendon back in front with minutes to play but their set shots missed as the Tigers held on for their seventh win of the season.

RICHMOND: 5.2, 11.5, 12.9, 16.12 (108)
ESSENDON: 3.2, 7.5, 13.7, 15.14 (104)
GOALS: Richmond: Morton 4, Deledio 3, Brown 3, Simmonds 2, Johnson, Bowden, Tambling, Hughes
Essendon: Lucas 3, Stanton 2, Jetta 2, Lloyd 2, Hille, Atkinson, Lonergan, Reimers, Slattery, Laycock
BEST: Richmond: Brown, Tuck, Morton, Foley, McMahon, Deledio, Johnson
Essendon: Watson, Stanton, Peverill, Lucas, Reimers, Dyson
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Essendon: Welsh (concussion), Monfries (ankle)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Connors replaced in Richmond's selected side by Thursfield; Fletcher replaced in Essendon's selected side by Michael
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Ryan, Head
CROWD: 56,746 at the MCG


44
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Classy Cats demolish Dogs

July 19th 2008 07:32
GEELONG has consolidated its place at the top of the AFL ladder with a 61-point demolition of the Western Bulldogs at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs stuck with the reigning premiers for the first half but Geelong's class came to the fore after half-time as they slammed on 13 goals to three to cruise to a convincing 19.17 (131) to 10.10 (70) victory.

Even without Brownlow medal favourite Gary Ablett Jnr and tagger Cameron Ling the Cats managed to win 137 more disposals than the Bulldogs.

James Bartel led the way in the midfield with 31 possessions and two goals while Joel Corey and Joel Selwood were busy contributors with 29 and 27 disposals respectively.

Ryan Gamble benefited from Geelong's dominace in the middle with four goals while Cameron Mooney and Steve Johnson chimed in with three goals each.

Corey Enright did a superb blanketing job on Jason Akermanis, restricting the former Lion to just 11 disposals while Matthew Scarlett and Darren Milburn generated plenty of run from defence, racking up 30-plus disposals.

The Cats had 65 more disposals than the Bulldogs in the first term with Milburn particularly effective across half-back with a staggering 19 disposals while Scarlett was no less effective with 14 touches.

But despite their dominance around the ground Geelong found themselves on level terms with the Dogs at quarter-time after a late goal from Brad Ottens.

The Bulldogs kicked the first two goals of the second term in quick time before Geelong replied through Ryan Gamble, who was a late replacement for David Wojcinski.

Farren Ray kicked truly after two successive 50m penalties against Paul Chapman for absusing umpire Michael Vozzo to give the Bulldogs an 11-point advantage - their biggest lead for the match.

Geelong hit back with two of the next three to level the scores at the main break. The Cats should have been in front at half-time but failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, booting a wasteful 3.8.

The Cats kicked five goals to two in the third term to establish a handy 15-point lead heading into the final change before steamrolling the Dogs with eight goals in the final stanza.

GEELONG: 3.3, 6.11, 11.12, 19.17 (131)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.3, 7.5, 9.9, 10.10 (70)
GOALS: Geelong: Gamble 4, Mooney 3, Johnson 3, Bartel 2, Stokes 2, Mackie, Taylor, Ottens, Chapman, Lonergan
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa 3, Eagelton 2, Johnson, Lake, Welsh, Hahn, Ray
BEST: Geelong: Scarlett,Bartel, Mooney, Milburn, Corey, Mackie, Gamble
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa, Cooney, Eagleton, Boyd
INJURIES: Geelong: Nil
Western Bulldogs: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: David Wojcinski replaced in Geelong's selected side by Ryan Gamble
UMPIRES: Donlon, Vozzo. S.Ryan





39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Fletcher out of big clash

July 19th 2008 04:10
ESSENDON has suffered a major blow ahead of its crucial clash against fellow top-eight contenders Richmond at the MCG on Saturday afternoon with veteran defender Dustin Fletcher a late withdrawal.

Full-back Mal Michael has been brought back into the Bombers' line-up for the first time since round eight at the expense of Fletcher.

Richmond has also made a late change to its selected team with Daniel Connors making way for key defender Will Thursfield.



58
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Chapman wants to stay a Cat

July 19th 2008 03:14
GEELONG forward Paul Chapman has indicated that he wants to remain with the club

Chapman, who is currently out-of-contract, said he wants to finish his career at the Cats.

"I haven't re-signed but I don't think it is an issue," Chapman said.

"I want to stay a Cat forever."

Chapman is one of the last premiership players to commit to the club but says money is not an issue.

"It's got nothing to do with money or anything like that there's just several little things that have to be worked out, but money definitely hasn't got anything to do with it," he said.

Chapman said he wants to continue to be a part of Geelong's success.

"I've been at this club for nine years and we've gone through that many hard years, being spanked by clubs and being smacked by the media, and it's our time to reap the rewards for all the hard work we've put in," he said.

"I don't want to go, definitely not, because I want to enjoy the good times as much as I had to put up with the bad times."



60
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Braun not finished just yet

July 19th 2008 03:08
WEST COAST midfielder Michael Braun has not necessarily played his last game for the club.

Braun, who announced last week he will retire at the end of the season was left out of the side that will face Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.

But West Coast coach John Worsfold said the 223-game veteran was still capable of playing good football.

"His body is getting towards the end of his career I think we are all aware of that," he said.

"He has still got the ability to play some good football but consistently and not back up week after week.

"So we have just got to help him get through that."



40
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Malthouse sticking by forwards

July 19th 2008 01:17
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse won't make any majors changes to his forward line despite some of his key players failing to have an impact against North Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Travis Cloke and Paul Medhurst were well held by Michael Firrito and Josh Gibson respectively in the Magpies' 18-point loss to the Kangaroos.

But Malthouse said his forwards have performed well enough so far this season and deserve another opportunity.

"I thought our forwards were quite ordinary but you just don't jump on blokes and throw them straight out," Malthouse said.

"They are decent quality players but today was markedly down to what it has been."

Malthouse admitted that Cloke was outclassed by Firrito but said the 21-year-old could have been helped by some better delivery from the midfield.

"He lowered his colours today, there is no doubt about that," Malthouse said.

"His opponent was outstanding, played to his best, where as Travis got very little support from the delivery and got very little support from other forwards."



41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Magpies won't rush Fraser back

July 19th 2008 01:04
COLLINGWOOD won't rush back Josh Fraser despite the Magpies losing to the Kangaroos by 13 points at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

Magpies coach Mick Malthouse said Fraser would have to prove his fitness to the club's medical staff first before earning a recall.

Malthouse also said it was too simplistic to think that Fraser's return would fix a Collingwood forward line that failed to fire against the Kangaroos.

"We have to go through the medical staff before we start thinking about Josh. Josh has been forward before but never been a forward," Malthouse said.

"Until he starts to jump, the doctors allow him to jump, then he won't be mysteriously played because we lost today.

"He's out because of an injury, he's not out because we can't find a spot for him. Until we get full medical clearance, we're not going to play him.

"He's fit to play as a run around (in the VFL)."

Malthouse was critical of the performance of ruck duo Cameron Wood and Chris Bryan who were outclassed by Kangaroos big man Drew Petrie.

"We had two ruckmen rucking against a centre half-forward. And the centre half-forward has probably been best on the ground, second-best on the ground and third-best on the ground, I reckon, Petrie," Malthouse said.

"There's not much you can do about it. The two ruckmen are there with an opportunity to get their hands on it and the game was always going to be tight."

Malthouse said his side's delivery of the football inside 50 did his forwards no favours.

"You just can't kick the ball in the air and expect Travis (Cloke) to mark everything, especially when they're told where Petrie is going to lob every time," he said.

"We couldn't have kicked the ball better to him. I think he took 11 marks and I reckon seven times we picked him out."

Aside from fourth-gamer John Anthony who kicked four goals, Collingwood's forwards failed to have an impact.

"Quite frankly I thought our forwards were quite ordinary. I thought John Anthony made the most of opportunities, but really he's a young bloke coming through and lacks the knowledge to know how to help taller teammates," Malthouse said.

"The other forwards, quite frankly, were beaten badly. Four of our goals came from non-forwards."

Malthouse admitted that the loss could have been a lot worse.

"I thought we fought back pretty well in the first half to actually get ourselves in front," he said.

"Then in the first nine minutes of the third quarter they kicked four goals. Really, three goals (defeat) is a cushion compared to what it could have been."

Meanwhile, small forward Leon Davis, who was a late withdrawal with an ankle injury should be ready to face Essendon at the MCG next Saturday.



42
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Roos overrun Pies

July 18th 2008 12:58
NORTH MELBOURNE has moved into the top eight with an 18-point win over Collingwood at Telstra Dome on Friday night.

The Roos trailed by 13 points at half time but lifted in the second half, booting 12 goals to seven to record a 17.12 (114) to 14.12 (96) victory.

Drew Petrie starred for the Kangaroos with 20 possessions, 11 marks, 26 hit-outs and two goals while Brent Harvey and Daniel Wells were damaging with 27 possessions apiece.

Michael Firrito kept Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke goalless while Josh Gibson restricted Paul Medhurst to just two goals.

For the Magpies, Scott Pendlebury tried hard all night, finishing the match with 25 disposals and one goal. Dane Swan lifted in the third term and finished with 22 possessions and one goal while promising youngster John Anthony booted four majors.

The Kangaroos had their fair share of opportunities in the first term but their inability to make the most of their chances meant they trailed by 11 points at the first change.

North kicked the first two goals of the second term through Lindsay Thomas and Corey Jones to hit the front.

Anthony kicked his second to give the Magpies back the lead before goals to Shane O'Bree and Sharrod Wellingham saw Collingwood skip out to an 18-point advantage.

The Kangaroos responded with two of the next three to remain within striking distance, with the Magpies holding a 13-point lead at the main break.

Petrie started to get on top of Cameron Wood and Chris Bryan in the ruck in the third term and provided his midfield with first use of the football.

Wells, Harvey, Daniel Harris and Brady Rawlings were all influential in the middle as the Kangaroos slammed on four goals in a stunning nine-minute burst to regain the lead.

Collingwood responded with majors from Nick Maxwell, Medhurst and Swan but goals from Petrie and Wells gave the Kangaroos a 10-point lead heading into the final change.

The Magpies got the crucial first goal of the final term through Anthony but the Kangaroos had all the answers as they piled on four of the next five to put the result beyond doubt.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 1.4, 5.6, 12.8, 17.12 (114)
COLLINGWOOD: 3.3, 7.7, 10.10, 14.12 (96)
GOALS: NORTH MELBOURNE: Jones 3, Petrie 2, Goldstein 2, Grant 2, Hale, McMahon, Firrito, Ross, Pratt, Campbell, Harvey, Thomas
COLLINGWOOD: Anthony 4, Medhurst 2, Wellingham 2, Pendlebury, Didak, Swan, Lockyer, Maxwell, O'Bree
BEST: NORTH MELBOURNE: Petrie, Wells, Harvey, Simpson, Hansen, Campbell
COLLINGWOOD: Pendlebury, Burns, Didak, R.Shaw, Anthony, Swan
INJURIES: NORTH MELBOURNE: TBC
COLLINGWOOD: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Wellingham (Collingwood) replaced in selected side by Davis
UMPIRES: McBurney, James, Jeffery
CROWD: 46,610 at the Telstra Dome


39
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Ablett injury rumours unfounded: Costa

July 18th 2008 11:03
GEELONG midfielder Gary Ablett Jnr does not have a broken ankle, according to president Frank Costa.

Ablett, who is the favourite for this year's Brownlow medal is listed as being sidelined for one match but there had been rumours that the 24-year-old's ankle was more badly damaged than first thought and that he could miss up to six weeks.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station SEN Costa said such rumours were unfounded.

The rumours have plunged Brownlow medal markets into uncertainty, with TAB Sportsbet suspending betting on the prestigious award.


41
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Rumours stop Brownlow betting

July 18th 2008 07:45
BETTING on the Brownlow Medal has been suspended amid rumours Geelong star Gary Ablett Jnr is seriously injured.

The Brownlow medal favourite rolled his ankle during the Cats' 74-point win over Fremantle at Skilled Stadium last weekend and was expected to miss just the one week.

But TAB Sportsbet is not taking any bets on the Brownlow Medal with rumours suggesting that Ablett could miss at least four-to-six weeks.


38
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments
[ Link ]
Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Round sixteen teams

July 18th 2008 07:16
ROUND SIXTEEN

All the teams for round sixteen of the 2008 AFL premiership season, with Sunday's updated teams.

NORTH MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD
Friday, 7.40pm AEST, Telstra Dome
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Scott McMahon, Michael Firrito, Josh Gibson
HB: Daniel Pratt, Shannon Watt, Leigh Harding
C: Daniel Wells, Gavin Urquhart, Brent Harvey
HF: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Ben Ross
F: Matt Campbell, Drew Petrie, Lachlan Hansen
Foll: Todd Goldstein, Adam Simpson, Daniel Harris
I/C: Brady Rawlings, Sam Power, Shannon Grant, Corey Jones
EMG: Blake Grima, Nathan Thompson, Levi Greenwood
In: Grant, Corey Jones
Out: Nathan Thompson, Blake Grima

COLLINGWOOD
B: Heath Shaw, Shane Wakelin, Tarkyn Lockyer
HB: Martin Clarke, Nick Maxwell, Harry O’Brien
C: Ben Johnson, Scott Burns, Rhyce Shaw
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Travis Cloke, Chris Bryan
F: Alan Didak, Nathan Brown, Paul Medhurst
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Dale Thomas
I/C: Shane O’Bree, Tyson Goldsack, Leon Davis, John Anthony
EMG: Danny Stanley, Sharrod Wellingham, Alan Toovey
No change

GEELONG v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Saturday, 2.10pm AEST, Skilled Stadium
GEELONG
B: Tom Harley, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Harry Taylor, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright
C: James Kelly, Max Rooke, Jimmy Bartel
HF: Steve Johnson, Cameron Mooney, David Wojcinski
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Lonergan, Mathew Stokes
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Corey, Joel Selwood
I/C: Josh Hunt, Mark Blake, Brent Prismall, Travis Varcoe
EMG: David Johnson, Ryan Gamble, Shannon Byrnes
In: Kelly, Prismall
Out: Cameron Ling (cheekbone), Gary Ablett (ankle)

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dale Morris, Brian Lake, Ryan Hargrave
HB: Ryan Griffen, Andrejs Everitt, Lindsay Gilbee
C: Nathan Eagleton, Matthew Boyd, Farren Ray
HF: Brad Johnson, Mitch Hahn, Robert Murphy
HF: Scott Welsh, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
R: Ben Hudson, Daniel Cross, Adam Cooney
I/C: Dylan Addison, Daniel Giansiracusa, Jarrod Harbrow, Stephen Tiller
EMG: Josh Hill, Callan Ward, Cameron Wight
In: Griffen, Welsh
Out: Josh Hill, Cameron Wight

RICHMOND v ESSENDON
Saturday, 2.10pm AEST, MCG
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Kelvin Moore
HB: Jordan McMahon, Joel Bowden, Matt White
C: Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck, Richard Tambling
HF: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
F: Nathan Brown, Cleve Hughes, Adam Pattison
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Kane Johnson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Daniel Connors, Shane Edwards, Dean Polo, Jay Schulz,
EMG: Will Thursfield, Daniel Jackson, Alex Rance
No change

ESSENDON
B: Adam Ramanauskas, Dustin Fletcher, Nathan Lovett-Murray
HB: Henry Slattery, Patrick Ryder, Jay Nash
C: Kyle Reimers, Jobe Watson, Andrew Welsh
HF: Leroy Jetta, Matthew Lloyd, Scott Lucas
F: Angus Monfries, Jay Neagle, Adam McPhee
Foll: David Hille, Sam Lonergan, Brent Stanton
I/C: Jarrod Atkinson, Ricky Dyson, Jason Laycock, Damien Peverill
EMG: Cale Hooker, Rhys Magin, Mal Michael
In: Atkinson, Dyson
Out: Andrew Lovett (club susp), Mark McVeigh (knee)

BRISBANE LIONS v WEST COAST
Saturday, 7.10pm AEST, Gabba
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Josh Drummond, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Robert Copeland, Jason Roe, Ashley McGrath
C: Anthony Corrie, Simon Black, Tim Notting
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Jared Brennan
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone
I/C: Tom Collier, Bradd Dalziell, Rhan Hooper, Scott Harding
EMG: Albert Proud, Scott Clouston, James Hawksley
In: Roe, Dalziell, Harding
Out: Matthew Leuenberger (knee), Jed Adcock (quad), Troy Selwood

WEST COAST
B: Ryan Davis, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Tyson Stenglein, Beau Wilkes, Andrew Embley
C: Brad Ebert, Chad Fletcher, Tim Houlihan
HF: David Wirrpanda, Ashley Hansen, Adam Selwood
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Josh Kennedy
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Jamie McNamara
I/C: Ben McKinley, Mark Nicoski, Scott Selwood, Brent Staker
EMG: Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun, Mark Seaby
In: Mackenzie, Fletcher, McNamara, S. Selwood, Staker
Out: Daniel Kerr (susp), Adam Hunter (knee, shoulder), Brett Jones (knee), Steven Armstrong, Michael Braun

ST KILDA v HAWTHORN
Saturday, 7.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
ST KILDA
B: Sean Dempster, Max Hudghton, Jason Gram
HB: Brendon Goddard, Sam Gilbert, Sam Fisher
C: Andrew McQualter, Nick Dal Santo, Lenny Hayes
HF: Robert Harvey, Nick Riewoldt, Robert Eddy
F: Clint Jones, Justin Koschitzke, David Armitage
Foll: Steven King, Luke Ball, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Adam Schneider, Jason Blake, Stephen Milne, Aaron Fiora
EMG: Jarryn Geary, Jarryd Allen, Shane Birss
In: Fiora, Schneider
Out: Jarryd Allen, James Gwilt

HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Rick Ladson
HB: Campbell Brown, Trent Croad, Grant Birchall
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Jarryd Morton
HF: Chance Bateman, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Cyril Rioli
Foll: Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge, Brad Sewell
I/C: Xavier Ellis, Tom Murphy, Travis Tuck, Simon Taylor
EMG: Tim Clarke, Jordan Lewis, Cameron Stokes
In: Bateman
Out: Shane Crawford (knee tendonitis)

CARLTON v SYDNEY SWANS
Sunday, 1.10pm AEST, Telstra Dome
CARLTON
B: Mark Austin, Michael Jamison, Kade Simpson
HB: Andrew Walker, Bret Thornton, Heath Scotland
C: Jordan Russell, Bryce Gibbs, Shaun Grigg
HF: Nick Stevens, Jarrad Waite, Marc Murphy
F: Brad Fisher, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Cameron Cloke, Chris Judd, Adam Bentick
I/C (from): Andrew Carrazzo , Jake Edwards , Shaun Hampson, Adam Hartlett, Matthew Kreuzer , Darren Pfeiffer
In: Austin, Walker, Hampson, Hartlett, Pfeiffer
Out: Joe Anderson, Steven Browne

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Paul Bevan, Leo Barry, Martin Mattner
HB: Craig Bolton, Ted Richards, Tadhg Kennelly
C: Matthew O’Dwyer, Jarrad McVeigh, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Adam Goodes, Luke Ablett
F: Henry Playfair, Michael O’Loughlin, Jarrad Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Brett Kirk, Jude Bolton
I/C (from): Peter Everitt, Heath Grundy, Kieran Jack, Ben Mathews, Nick Malceski, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Nick Smith
In: Grundy, Malceski, Mathews, O’Dwyer
Out: Amon Buchanan (suspended)
New: Matt O'Dwyer (Calder, Rookie List)

PORT ADELAIDE v ADELAIDE
Sunday, 2.40pm ACST, AAMI Stadium
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Nick Lower
HB: Jacob Surjan, Troy Chaplin, Nathan Lonie
C: Domenic Cassisi, Adam Thomson, Kane Cornes
HF: David Rodan, Warren Tredrea, Brett Ebert
F: Justin Westhoff, Daniel Motlop, Chad Cornes
Foll: Dean Brogan, Shaun Burgoyne, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Greg Bentley, Brendon Lade, Tom Logan, Steven Salopek
EMG: Michael Wilson, Paul Stewart, Fabian De Luca
In: Lade, Salopek,
Out: Damon White (hamstring), Fabian De Luca

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Nathan Bassett
HB: Kris Massie, Nathan Bock, Michael Doughty
C: Brad Symes, Simon Goodwin, Andrew McLeod
HF: Chris Knights, Kurt Tippett, Nathan van Berlo
F: Tyson Edwards, Luke Jericho, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Robert Shirley
I/C: Brad Moran, Richard Douglas, Scott Stevens, Bryce Campbell
EMG: David Mackay, Ken McGregor, Andy Otten
In: Jericho, McLeod, Moran
Out: Brett Burton (knee), Jason Porplyzia (shoulder), Jonathon Griffin

FREMANTLE v MELBOURNE
Sunday, 2.40pm AWST, Subiaco Oval
FREMANTLE
B: Scott Thornton, Luke McPharlin, Antoni Grover
HB: Josh Head, Michael Johnson, Steven Dodd
C: Shaun McManus, Josh Carr, David Mundy
HF: Mark Johnson, Matthew Pavlich, Andrew Browne
F: Chris Mayne, Chris Tarrant, Robert Warnock
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, Garrick Ibbotson
I/C (from): Jeff Farmer, Ryan Murphy, Paul Duffield, Byron Schammer, Kepler Bradley, Brock O’Brien, Brett Peake
In: Duffield, Bradley, McManus, Head, O'Brien, Murphy
Out: Dean Solomon (suspended), Rhys Palmer (general soreness), Clayton Hinkley

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Colin Garland, Matthew Warnock
HB: Chris Johnson, Paul Wheatley, Lynden Dunn
C: Cale Morton, Cameron Bruce, Simon Buckley
HF: Colin Sylvia, Matthew Bate, Aaron Davey
F: Paul Johnson, Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri
Foll: Mark Jamar, Clint Bartram, Nathan Jones
I/C (from): Daniel Bell, Michael Newton, Shane Valenti, Stefan Martin, James McDonald, Jeff White, Adem Yze
In: Davey, McDonald, White, Yze
Out: Brad Green (hamstring)





35
Vote
Add CommentsAdd Comments