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AFL Central - April 2009

Round six preview: North Melbourne v Collingwood

April 30th 2009 14:24
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Friday May 1, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 148, North Melbourne 48, Collingwood 98, Draw 2

LAST TIME: North Melbourne 17.12 (114) def Collingwood 14.12 (96), Round 16 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: The honours have been shared in the past six clashes between these two sides but the Kangaroos have won two of the past three matches against the Magpies at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: North Melbourne started brightly against Richmond at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night but fell away badly, eventually going by 36 points. The Kangaroos have won just two of their first five matches and occupy 12th place on the ladder. Collingwood appeared to have the four premiership points in the bag against Essendon in Saturday’s Anzac Day clash at the MCG but the Bombers lifted themselves of the canvas and hit back with three goals in four minutes to record a memorable win. The Magpies have also just two games so far this season but find themselves in the eight thanks to a superior percentage.


MEDICAL ROOM: North Melbourne’s loss to the Tigers was made worse by injuries to skipper Brent Harvey and promising young defender Lachlan Hansen. Harvey will miss 12 weeks after dislocating his elbow while Hansen will miss four to six weeks with a hamstring strain. Classy midfielder Daniel Wells (hip) and small forward Matt Campbell (hamstring) are at least a week away from earning a recall. The Magpies welcome back star defender Heath Shaw from a hamstring injury but will be without classy forward Alan Didak (hamstring), Sean Rusling (shoulder) and Ben Johnson (broken leg).

KEY MATCH-UPS: Josh Gibson vs. John Anthony

The last time these two sides met in round 16 last year Anthony was his side’s most productive forward, booting four goals.


Anthony was also his side’s most damaging forward last weekend, booting four of Collingwood’s 12 goals.

If the Kangaroos are going to be any chance of securing a win against the odds they will need to contain Anthony who is one of the best kicks for goal in the competition.

Gibson has been given some big jobs in defence so far this season and has been far from disgraced.

He looms as the obvious candidate to match-up on Anthony in what will be a pivotal duel.

The Magpies are ranked second in the AFL for kicks per game with an average of 220 - they like to move the football along the boundary line before entering inside 50.

The Roos will need to apply immense pressure all over the ground and prevent the Pies from spotting up targets if they are going to have any hope of containing Anthony, Paul Medhurst, Anthony Rocca and co.

Simon Prestigiacomo vs. David Hale

Hale failed to fire in the loss to the Tigers, managing just one goal after kicking four majors in the win over Essendon in round four.

The Kangaroos have the 15th most productive forward line in the competition - they have managed just 362 points in five games.

The likes of Hale will need to step up on Friday night if the Roos are going to overcome a Collingwood side that has the seventh most potent attack in the AFL.

However, his task won’t be an easy won as he will be matched up by the in-form Prestigiacomo who kept Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd goalless last weekend.

Last weekend against the Tigers the Kangaroos lost the clearances 34-22.

If Hale is going to have any hope of having an impact he will need his midfield to lift their rating at the stoppages and get the football quickly inside 50.

Brady Rawlings vs. Dane Swan

Swan was Collingwood’s best in the loss to Essendon last weekend, racking up a game-high 37 possessions, 11 marks and four inside 50’s.

The 25-year-old leads the Magpies for disposals, kicks and inside 50’s.

Shutting down his drive through the middle will be a key for the Kangaroos if they are going to contain Collingwood’s multi-pronged attack.

Rawlings is North’s best stopper in the midfield and will most likely be given the task of tagging Swan in what will be yet another crucial contest in determining the outcome of this match.

The Kangaroos will need Rawlings to pay close attention to Swan and not give him any time or space in which to dispose of the football cleanly.

Hamish McIntosh vs. Josh Fraser

Fraser has come in for plenty of criticism after his performance against the Bombers and will be keen to silence his critics with a big game on Friday night.

However, he won’t be in for an easy night with McIntosh - who has been one of North’s best so far this season - to go head-to-head with him in the ruck.

Expect McIntosh to apply plenty of body pressure early and push forward at every available opportunity and try and hurt Fraser on the scoreboard.

The Magpies will need Fraser to play with the same level of intensity he showed in the wins over Melbourne and Brisbane otherwise McIntosh will be able to provide Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow, Daniel Harris and co. with first use of the football and also dictate terms around the ground.

VERDICT: The Kangaroos are coming off a loss to the previously winless Tigers and will be without their skipper and best player in Harvey. All signs point to a win for Collingwood but the Roos are always at their best when their backs are to the wall. Dean Laidley's men are capable of causing an upset but the Magpies’ depth in the middle and multiple options up forward should see them get up in what promises to be a hard-fought contest. Magpies by 27 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v COLLINGWOOD
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Shannon Watt, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Daniel Pratt, Michael Firrito, Brady Rawlings
C: Gavin Urquhart, Daniel Harris, Lindsay Thomas
HF: Leigh Harding, Aaron Edwards, Scott McMahon
F: Ben Warren, Drew Petrie, David Hale
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Ed Lower, Sam Power, Adam Simpson, Levi Greenwood
Emg: Ben Ross, Corey Jones, Todd Goldstein

In: Harris, Watt
Out: Brent Harvey (elbow), Lachlan Hansen (hamstring)

COLLINGWOOD
B: Heath Shaw, Simon Prestigiacomo, Nick Maxwell
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke
C: Shane O’Bree, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dale Thomas
HF: Paul Medhurst, Travis Cloke, Brent Macaffer
F: John Anthony, Leigh Brown, Anthony Rocca
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dayne Beams, Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Leon Davis, Jaxson Barham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
Emg: Tyson Goldsack, Anthony Corrie, Sharrod Wellingham

In: Maxwell, Shaw
Out: Shannon Cox, Tyson Goldsack

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Blease out for season

April 30th 2009 13:00
MELBOURNE youngster Sam Blease will miss the remainder of the season after injuring his ankle.

Blease, who was the Demons second pick in the national draft last year, fractured his fibula bone while playing lunchtime football at Yarra Valley Grammar.

Melbourne's general manager of football operations Chris Connolly said the injury was a blow for the 18-year-old but the club believes he will still be a player of the future.

"This is obviously a setback, but we see Sam as a long term player for this club," Connolly said.

"We will now begin to prepare him for the commencement of the 2010 pre-season."

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Kennett pays fine

April 30th 2009 07:32
HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has opted to pay the $5000 fine handed out by the AFL for his comments on the role and standard of umpires in the game.

Kennett said he chose to pay the fine because he didn't want the club to suffer for his personal views.

and would pay the fine and refrain from public comment on key on-field matters in the future.

"As much as I would like to have pursued the issue, it is better we all get on with what we are about and that is winning games," he said.

"And secondly you could not put it past the AFL to impose sanctions on the club, such as loss of premiership points, if the matter was not settled, and that we would not want. So let the matters of substance be settled in the court of public opinion."

Kennett also said he will refrain from commeting on key on-field issues in the future.

"Sorry if I have caused you distraction. Be assured my future public comments will be as bland as those who seek to control us," he said.

In a letter to AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson, Kennett vented his frustration over the fine.

"As my comments were not umpire or incident specific, were hardly outrageous, and expressed views that are felt by many in the community, one can only assume that you had already decided to fine me before receiving my letter of explanation," he wrote.

"In sanctioning me for what were factual comments, expressing a commonly held view, the AFL is again shooting the messenger rather than addressing the fundamental issues."

Kennett also accused the AFL of standing in the way of free speech.

"I have therefore decided, with regret, to pay the fine that you have levied. With regret because I would rather retain my $5000, with regret because I think your sanctions are misplaced. But I am aware that unless I pay this fine, you at the AFL may well apply further sanctions against my club which I certainly do not want to occur," he said.

"However, I do not resile from the thought process behind my comments that have now been explained to you twice, and my explanations which you have seen fit to reject."

"So please find attached my personal cheque for $5000, and as the AFL works to paint the sky grey, and limit free speech, be assured that many of us will continue to manage our affairs as best we can to the advancement of the code and those who support, not only our individual clubs, but the game itself."

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Dockers' de Boer to debut

April 30th 2009 07:20
FREMANTLE youngster Matt de Boer will make his AFL debut in Saturday's derby clash with West Coast.

The elevated rookie will replace midfielder Rhys Palmer who will miss the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.

Dockers coach Mark Harvey said de Boer had the body and temperament to cope with what will be an intense derby contest.

"He's got a more seasoned body than a lot of the other guys," said Harvey.

"We'd like to think he's got a good temperament and he's got this exciting nature about him that can actually really enthuse the side."

"On top of that, we'll ask him to do a role and hopefully he can fulfil that (but) it will be a big occasion for him," Harvey said.

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Jackson confirms departure

April 30th 2009 07:04
ESSENDON chief executive Peter Jackson has confirmed that 2009 will be his final season with the club.

Jackson, who has been in charge for the past 13 years, said the time was right for him to move on.

"I think as a leader it is important to recognise when the time is right for change," Jackson said.

"From the perspective of the football club and also from a personal point of view I think that time is now,"

"There are things away from football that I now wish to focus some of my energies on - I am very comfortable with my decision."

Essendon chairman Ray Horsburgh said the board will embark on a thorough search to find a replacement.

"Peter has done an outstanding job in his time as CEO and managing director of the club," Horsburgh said.

"We are pleased he has agreed to remain in the position until the completion of this season."

“The timing of this announcement will give the Club time to put in place the right process to find a replacement who can work with the club’s executive and staff to build on the wonderful foundations that have been established under Peter’s guidance.”
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Didak to miss

April 30th 2009 03:07
COLLINGWOOD has suffered a blow ahead of Friday night's clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium with classy forward Alan Didak ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Didak, who was a late withdrawal from the Anzac Day loss to Essendon at the MCG, aggravated the injury at training and is also likely to miss the clash against St Kilda in round seven.

In some good news for the Magpies, star defender Heath Shaw looks set to return from a hamstring injury after training strongly at Gosch’s Paddock on Thursday morning.
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Wells doesn't have osteitis pubis : Laidley

April 30th 2009 02:59
NORTH MELBOURNE midfielder Daniel Wells doesn't have osteitis pubis according to coach Dean Laidley.

There has been talk that Wells, who hasn't played since the round 3 loss to Hawthorn after being ruled out of the following week's game against Essendon with what the club said was a hip injury, was battling a groin ailment.

But Laidley dismissed suggestions the 24-year-old was suffering from osteitis pubis.

"He's still a ways away yet," Laidley said .

"Next week, (he's) 50-50 at best I would've thought, (he's) more likely the following week (against Geelong). (But) I can categorically tell you, it is not O.P."

Laidley also said promising young defender Lachlan Hansen didn't come close to tearing his hamstring off the bone in last weekend's 36-point loss to Richmond.

"It's in the middle of the hamstring ... and there's a little bit of blood floating around the nerve," he said.

"It's a normal hamstring bar the blood around the nerve and we'll give him an extra week or two to get that settled down so it's certainly a four-to-six-week injury."

Meanwhile, North skipper Brent Harvey's surgery on his dislocated left elbow was declared a success but Laidley said his star midfielder will almost certainly be sidelined for 12 weeks.
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Dalziell injury not as bad as first thought

April 30th 2009 02:23
BRISBANE midfielder Bradd Dalziell is expected to miss just six weeks with a minor tear of the posterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Dalziell sustained the injury in the last quarter of the 93-point loss to Geelong at Skilled Stadium last Sunday.

The Lions intially feared that Dalziell would be out for up to three months with posterior cruciate ligament damage but the club's medical staff revealed on Wednesday the prolific ball winner had only suffered a minor tear.

Meanwhile, young ruckman Bart McCulloch will be out for four to six weeks with a grade one quad tear.

McCulloch injured his quad in his first game for the Lions reserves last weekend.
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McEvoy a chance to play

April 29th 2009 07:32
ST KILDA youngster Ben McEvoy is a chance to replace injured ruckman Steven King for Sunday's clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Saints' coach Ross Lyon ruled King out of the clash against the Bulldogs due to the hamstring injury he sustained in last Friday night's 66-point win over Port Adelaide.

The league leaders remain hopeful that Justin Koschitzke - who can play both in the ruck and up forward - will return from a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the match against the Power.

But Lyon said the Saints won't be taking any risks with Koschitzke given his injury history.

"We will give him every chance and it's a possibility but certainly not a certainty," Lyon said.

If Koschitzke is again ruled out the Saints will most likely select McEvoy who has played just the one AFL match since being taken with the number nine pick in the 2007 national draft.

"If we go with a legitimate ruckman (to replace King) the obvious one is McEvoy, who has been playing quite well (in the VFL)," Lyon said.

Lyon also said he has been pleased with the 19-year-old's development.

"Big ruckman (take time to develop) and we all know that but he is certainly improving," he said.

"He has been exposed to the (AFL) level before and we would expect he would be able to come in and hold an end up and be better for the experience (if selected)."

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Knights set to return

April 29th 2009 06:50
ADELAIDE midfielder Chris Knights looks set to return for Showdown XXVI at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

Knights has been sidelined with a fractured eye socket which was sustained in the loss to St Kilda in round two.

Crows coach Neil Craig said a number of things would be taken into consideration before selecting the 22-year-old.

"All indications are if he gets through tonight then he'll be available for selection," Craig said.

"Then it comes down to an assessment is he confident with the injury that he's had. The reality is you are never going to be able to simulate in training what's going to happen in a game."

"And Chris has missed three games so all of that will be considered but he's a valuable player for our team
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Kennett remains undecided

April 29th 2009 05:29
HAWTHORN president Jeff Kennett has yet to decide whether he will attend umpiring school.

The AFL yesterday ordered Kennett to go to an umpiring seminar within the next fortnight or the club would be hit with a $5000 fine for his critcism of umpires.

The row between Kennett and the league started on April 18 when Kennett told guests at his president's lunch he believed umpires should be seen and not heard and that they were becoming bigger than the game itself.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station 3AW this morning, AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said Kennett's comments were inapproriate.

"He can't denigrate, humiliate, embarrass umpires and umpiring," Anderson said.

The Hawks then proceeded to making public on their website the letter Kennett wrote to Anderson in response to the league's charges.

Kennett said the AFL's 'miking' of umpires for broadcasters and inclusion of numbers on their backs had made them a greater focus of attention.

"By removing the microphone from umpires you would reduce the public focus on them, you would also eliminate the intrusion that their running commentary often creates when watching a television broadcast," Kennett wrote.

"The AFL has clearly sanctioned the 'miking' of umpires and therefore they, the AFL, must accept responsibility for the increasingly difficult circumstances in which umpires are operating."

"It is AFL policy that has singled out umpires to be more than unnoticed professionals."

In a letter to the club's members, Kennett said his arguments had been 'totally rejected by the AFL'.

"My arguments were totally rejected by the AFL and that has resulted in them imposing a penalty on the club," he said.

"Finally, I make the point that at no time did I criticise an individual umpire, nor name one."

"We at Hawthorn play the ball not the man."

"My comments were general and the result of watching or viewing many games this year."

Kennett has until close of business on Thursday to decide whether to accept the fine or attend a meeting with the league's umpiring department.


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Blues dedicate season to Pratt

April 29th 2009 04:16
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten says the club will dedicate the rest of their 2009 campaign to the memory of former president Dick Pratt.

The self-made billionaire lost his long fight with prostate cancer on Tuesday.

Ratten said Pratt would be a motivating force for the Blues throughout the season.

"Everyone said we did use it as a motivating factor (last week), knowing he was at home. Is it a motivating force this week? I think it's going to be a motivating force for 2009. Every week we play our thoughts will be with Dick and what he's done for our club," Ratten said.

"This year, maybe we can achieve something with his support and that will go on for every year we play footy."

Carlton president Stephen Kernahan said Pratt's legacy would not be forgotten.

"What he did for this club will guarantee that his legacy will continue. As a member of the board I'm here to say that that legacy will go on. It's really close to our hearts to make sure that happens," Kernahan said.

"In the early 2000s we were on our knees and it wasn't getting too much better, but when Dick came along the hailstorm shut down and the sun came out"

"This football club thanks Richard Pratt for his absolute devotion to this football club."

Kernahan also said Pratt's wife Jeanne was in good spirits.

"I spent half an hour with Jeanne this morning. She's in good spirits considering what's gone on. She's a tough lady and she's more interested about what we can do at the football club in the near future to win the flag. That's typical of the Pratt family," he said.

"She's very keen to help the Carlton footy club move forward, but she's got a lot of pressing things to do in the next few days."

The club’s board and leadership group will attend tomorrow’s funeral for Pratt.
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Pratt loses battle with cancer

April 28th 2009 10:34
FORMER Carlton president Richard Pratt has died at his Melbourne mansion Raheen after his long battle with prostate cancer.

It is believed that his wife Jeanne and other family members were by his side.

The 74-year-old who was the chairman of the Visy group of companies was worth an estimated $2.3 billion.

Pratt was appointed Carlton president in 2007 and turned the club's off-field fortunes around and played a key role in luring former West Coast skipper Chris Judd to the Blues.

He stepped aside from the Carlton presidency after being charged with giving false or misleading evidence to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in 2005 over allegations of price fixing in the packaging industry.

During their last hours together, Mrs Pratt was able to tell her husband that criminal charges against him had been dropped.

Carlton president Stephen Kernahan paid tribute to Pratt.

"It's a very sad day for the Carlton Football Club family. Dick Pratt was the man who saved Carlton. There's no doubt about it," Kernahan said.

"He made things happen at this Club – giving inspiration, leadership and above all else – belief."

"He's as true a Carlton bloke as you will get and what he did for our club in its time of need, when he had other important things in his life and didn't have to do it, showed his love for Carlton."

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said Pratt had made an enormous contribution to the game and the wider community.

"Mr Pratt played a pivotal role in forming and bringing out the Peace Team last year to play in the AFL International Cup. This team brought together Palestinians and Israelis on the sporting field for the first time -- a monumental achievement," he said.

"Mr Pratt played a pivotal role in the rebirth and reinvigoration of the Carlton Football Club over the last few years, after the club had fallen into financial trouble, and it is now once again in a strong position as one of our game’s leaders."

"On the wider front, he has been a creator of jobs and generous benefactor for so many charities and public works. He will be sadly missed."

Pratt's family is expected to be offered a state-sponsored memorial service.



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Rivers found guilty

April 28th 2009 09:28
MELBOURNE defender Jared Rivers has been found guilty of making negligent contact with an umpire at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Rivers received a $2600 fine for making contact with field umpire Justin Schmitt in the third-qaurter of the Demons' 17-point loss to Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday evening.

The 24-year-old told the tribunal that Schmitt had backed away from a bounce at a slight angle and this caused the umpire to make contact with him.

The tribunal agreed that Schmitt had backed away at an angle but deemed that Rivers was close enough to warrant the negligent finding.
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Burgoyne to miss up to a month

April 28th 2009 07:20
PORT ADELAIDE has suffered a blow ahead of Showdown XXVI with star midfielder Shaun Burgoyne ruled out for up to a month with a knee injury.

Burgoyne was a late withdrawal from the win over Hawthorn in round four with knee soreness and was not considered for selection for last Friday night's clash against St Kilda at AAMI Stadium.

The 26-year-old had minor surgery on Tuesday morning with some damage to the surface of a joint repaired.

Port says the surgery revealed no ligament or major structural damage.

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Subiaco inadequate: Demetriou

April 28th 2009 07:06
SUBIACO Oval is an inadequate venue for football according to AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou.

Speaking in Perth on Tuesday, Demetriou said the venues limited capacity has the potential disenfranchise young AFL followers.

"When you've got 42,000 capacity and you've got a lot of reserve seating being sold and a lot of members for both Fremantle and West Coast, it means there's a lot of young people who can't go to the football and pay at the gate," Demetriou said.

"So we are actually denying a lot of young people, children, an opportunity to come to the football and watch and enjoy the experience."

"So we have the potential of disenfranchising a lot of people from a generational perspective."

"We want people to go along to the football, it's a good place for families to go."

Demetriou admitted it was understandable that the state government had put the plans for a new stadium or a redevelopment on hold for the time being given the current economic climate but also vowed to work with West Coast, Fremantle and the Western Australian Football Commission to keep the pressure on WA's politicians.

"I understand it has been parked by the government, and I understand that with what is going on globally and financially in the world these are difficult and uncertain times," he said.

"But we need to keep working on that issue because at the moment everyone acknowledges that Subiaco stadium is probably the least adequate of all our grounds around Australia."

"It is very important we kickstart the momentum again about the stadium."

"It is important for this state and important for football followers."

"(So) we'll keep working with the clubs and the footy commission to go forward with that."

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Pies skipper defends Fraser

April 28th 2009 06:23
COLLINGWOOD skipper Nick Maxwell has strongly defended vice-captain Josh Fraser after former St Kilda coach Grant Thomas said he saw the Pies' number one ruckman 'dog it' in an early contest with Essendon's David Hille during Saturday's Anzac Day clash at the MCG.

A fired up Maxwell said Thomas' comments were irrelevant.

"One person comes out and makes a comment and people think that's gospel but as far as we are concerned it's only the opinion of people at the club that matter," Maxwell said.

"We know what is expected of him (Fraser), he knows what we expect from him and unless you are part of the club, your opinion doesn't matter to us."

Fraser was well beaten by makeshift ruckman Patrick Ryder who stepped up in the absence of the injured Hille and went on to win the Anzac Day medal.

But Maxwell said Fraser was being harshly judged for someone who he believes has had just one bad game this season.

"Josh would have to be the All-Australian ruckman to this point - he has had four sensational games in the first four weeks and then one game that wasn't up to standard," he said.

"You can't bag him - he has been sensational."

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Maxwell signs news deal

April 28th 2009 05:48
COLLINGWOOD skipper Nick Maxwell has signed a two-year contract extension which will see him remain with the Magpies until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Maxwell, who has been suspended for the past two matches, said he was looking forward to playing against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

"Obviously the last couple of weeks off were tough for me," Maxwell said.

"Being captain it's hard sitting on the sidelines, particularly when it's your own fault so I am looking forward to getting out there again on Friday night - it can't come quick enough."

Maxwell also admitted he suffered while watching Saturday's heartbreaking Anzac Day loss to Essendon from the coach's box.

"It's pretty tough being on the sidelines watching what is going and watching your team-mates try to slug it out - you just want to be out there as much as you possibly can," he said.

Maxwell said the club had put the five-point loss to the Bombers - which was described by Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse as the most disappointing home-and-away defeat of his career - behind them.

"We have only got a six-day break so we can't afford to worry about it," he said.

"We have put it behind us quickly and we are already looking forward to this week."

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Robertson set to return

April 28th 2009 03:42
MELBOURNE forward Russell Robertson looks set to make his long-awaited return to AFL football in Sunday's clash against Geelong at the MCG.

Robertson - who has not played since rupturing his Achilles tendon in round ten last year - booted five goals for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL last weekend.

But more importantly he has pulled up well after each of his four games for the Scorpions.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey said Robertson would be right in the selection mix if he can get through training.

"I'd be lying if I said we wouldn't be seriously considering Robbo to play," Bailey said.

"He's recovered well in the last couple of weeks which is really importantly but he's bouncing and he's pretty excited Russell."

"If he gets through training I'm sure he'll be well in contention."

Meanwhile, Bailey said lively small forward Austin Wonaeamirri needed at least another game in the VFL before he makes his return to the seniors after re-injuring his hamstring at the end of March.

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Rivers to contest

April 28th 2009 02:50
MELBOURNE defender Jared Rivers will face the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night after electing to contest his charge of making negligent contact with an umpire.

Rivers was fined $1950 by the match review panel for making contact with field umpire Justin Schmitt during the third-quarter of the Demons' 17-point loss to Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday evening.

The 24-year-old risks increasing the fine to $2600 if he's unsuccessful in his appeal.

Meanwhile, Port Adelaide's Troy Chaplin has accepted a reprimand and 70.31 points towards his future record for striking St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt during last Friday night's clash at AAMI Stadium.
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Fletcher keen to play on next season

April 28th 2009 02:30
ESSENDON veteran Dustin Fletcher says he wants to play on next season.

Speaking at Windy Hill on Tuesday morning ahead of his 300th AFL match against Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night, Fletcher said his body is still able to cope with the rigours of the modern game.

"Last year I was coming into the season a little bit sore, but this year ... I'm feeling pretty good in myself so I daresay next year I'll go again and anything after that you just wait and see," Fletcher said.

"At this stage, touch wood, the body's feeling good and I think I've kept my speed so I think that's one of my main assets."

"Footy is changing a little bit with zones and these type of things, so I still think I've still got a role to play in helping the young guys down back."

Fletcher - a member of the Bombers' 1993 premiership side in his first season while still a schoolboy - said to have grown up in Essendon as the son of a former club great has only made his milestone achievement all the more satisfying.

When asked about his plans for life after football, Fletcher said he would like to take on a coaching role at youth level.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Moss earns nomination

April 28th 2009 00:41
HAWTHORN youngster Garry Moss has received the round five NAB Rising Star nomination for his performance in his side's win over West Coast at Aurora Stadium on Saturday.

Moss collected 24 possessions and booted four goals in just his fifth AFL match in three years to help lift the Hawks to an 18-point victory over the Eagles.

The 20-year-old made his debut in 2007 then spent most of the year with VFL affiliate Box Hill before succumbing to a hip injury.

A groin injury hampered his 2008 season.

He was delisted at the end of 2008 and was redrafted as a rookie but Hawthorn's injury problems meant he has played every match so far this year.

Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson said Moss' work ethic was now paying off.

"This is Garry's third year in the system and after suffering some injuries early in his career he his starting to get some positive results for his hard work," Clarkson said.

"Garry's story is a good lesson to young aspiring footballers that there is more than one pathway to playing AFL."

Moss - who captained Western Australia at the NAB AFL Under 18 Championships in 2006 - was selected with pick 56 in the 2006 national draft.

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


Palmer out for season

April 27th 2009 12:31
FREMANTLE has suffered a massive blow with midfielder Rhys Palmer ruled out for the season after damaging the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee.

Last year's NAB Rising Star winner left the field in the last quarter of Dockers' 21-point win over Sydney at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night and did not return.

The 20-year-old had scans of the knee taken on Sunday and when they were reviewed on Monday by Fremantle medical staff it was established that his ACL was "abnormal".

An orthopaedic surgeon who was called in to further review the scans diagnosed a near complete tear of the ACL.

It was initially thought that Palmer had avoided any major damage but the extent of the injury was unable to be determined at the time because it was not a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.

Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said Palmer would undergo surgery late this week or early next week.

“It is very disappointing for Rhys and the club,” Bond said.

“But we are very confident that after the appropriate period of recovery and rehabilitation, Rhys will be back playing the brand of football we know he is capable of.”
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Gieschen defends new bounce rule

April 27th 2009 10:42
AFL umpiring boss Jeff Gieschen has defended the new recalled bounce rule following the dreadful display of bouncing during the clash between Carlton and the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The league introduced a new rule this season where centre bounces that significantly disadvantage either ruckman are recalled.

It came under scrutiny following Sunday's match where field umpires Michael Vozzo, Mathew Nicholls and Heath Ryan recalled a number of errant bounces.

Gieschen said the numbers for the first five rounds of the season showed the new law is working well.

"So far after 40 games we've had 1557 bounces and we've had 40 recalls," Gieschen said.

"Unfortunately in one half of a game on the weekend, we had six recalls which drew a lot of attention to that game and the bounce."

"But when you look at it in an overall context, the umpires have been bouncing it really well, it's just a shame in that game we had six offline that drew that attention."

Gieschen also said he was confident the match was just an aberration.

"Our responsibility is to make sure that the umpires bounce it as consistently as they can, so if some umpires need to go and work on that and practise, they can do it," he said.

"But we're pretty confident we can keep that percentage of 97.5 percent up throughout the year and if we're doing that, we're probably not far away from what's acceptable."

"By and large they do an outstanding job of it, but in this day and age when everyone is extremely accountable, and everyone wants everything perfect, there is attention drawn to it."

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Pavlich wants to remain a Docker

April 27th 2009 10:30
FREMANTLE skipper Matthew Pavlich says he wants to remain at the Dockers after his current contract finishes.

Speaking ahead of his 200th match in Saturday's derby clash with West Coast, Pavlich said he was baffled by questions about his future when he is under contract until the end of 2010.

"It's hilarious that people are talking about this," Pavlich said.

"I'm not even half way through a contract and I'm absolutely committed, so it's baffling sometimes to even ask those questions or for it to be out there in my opinion."

Pavlich's comments come after football commentator Garry Lyon suggested that Pavlich should leave the under achieving Dockers as he deserves to play in a side that is challenging for a premiership.

Asked whether he was committed to the club beyond his current contract, Pavlich said: "I want to be playing here and playing in sustained success, that's what I want to be doing."

Pavlich was also adamant the Dockers - who recorded their first win of the season last weekend - were on the right track to success.

"I've been lucky enough to have a level of individual success and that's great but absolutely what we're driving and striving for is to be successful and have sustained success," he said.

"There's absolutely no question of that and I'm still very bullish that can happen."

Pavlich also said the winning streak which helped propel Fremantle into a preliminary final in 2006 - which they lost to Sydney - was the biggest highlight of his career to date.

"The run of nine or 10 wins in 2006 and into the prelim, that's certainly the most enjoyable time that I've been involved in, no surprises," he said.

"I've been able to do things like going and playing in the international rules series that was really quite enjoyable, and last year being involved in the dream team game."

"Things like that individually are nice little feathers in the cap, but certainly the winning streak was right up there."

"(But) getting to 200 is a marvellous achievement and not many players have done that."

"It's something that you don't as a player in the moment really reflect on or understand, but it's a nice achievement and something I'm really looking forward to doing on the weekend and sharing with some people after the game."

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


Rooke escapes suspension

April 27th 2009 09:04
GEELONG utility Max Rooke is free to play in Sunday's clash against Melbourne at the MCG after escaping suspension for grabbing a field umpire during the Cats' 93-point win over Brisbane at Skilled Stadium.

The incident occurred as the umpires were in the process of discussing a scoring shot with Rooke grabbing the shirt of field umpire Chris Kamolins to attract his attention.

Rooke was cleared because the panel ruled his actions were not of an "aggressive nature".

"The umpire backed into Rooke, as he approached, and the Geelong player momentarily held the umpire’s shirt. It was the panel’s view the hold was of negligible force, Rooke was not disputing the decision made by the umpire, and his actions were not of an aggressive nature. The controlling umpire did not pay a free kick and did not believe the action warranted a penalty," the panel said.

The decision is sure to stir up accusations of inconsistency from the AFL match review panel given that Collingwood defender Heath Shaw was suspended for a similar offence a earlier this month.

Essendon's Henry Slattery was also cleared over making contact with field umpire Matt Stevic during the ANZAC Day match at the MCG after the panel ruled the contact was so slight, the umpire was not even aware any contact had been made.

Port Adelaide defender Troy Chaplin was booked for striking St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt but his previous good record means he can accept a reprimand and 70.31 points towards his future record.

Melbourne defender Jared Rivers was charged with making negligent contact to an umpire and can accept a $1950 fine.

In other tribunal news, the panel threw out the match-day report against Port ruckman Dean Brogan for making forceful contact from front-on against St Kilda midfielder Farren Ray was thrown out after the panel ruled that Brogan tried to lessen the impact before contact was made.

A charge against West Coast vice-captain Adam Selwood was also thrown out after the panel ruled his contact with Hawthorn's Chance Bateman was not forceful.

The panel also looked at contact between St Kilda’s Luke Ball and Port Adelaide’s Robert Gray but ruled the impact was below that required to constitute a reportable offence.

An incident involving Carlton's Ryan Houlihan and the Western Bulldogs' Daniel Giansiracusa was also assessed but no action was taken with the panel deeming that the high contact made was of negligible force.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Port fans urged to not boo Bock

April 27th 2009 08:09
PORT ADELAIDE has urged its fans to not to single out Adelaide defender Nathan Bock when the Power clash with the Crows in Saturday night's Showdown XXVI.

Bock - who was reported by police for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend earlier this month - was booed by Melbourne supporters throughout Sunday's match at the MCG.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Adelaide coach Neil Craig described the crowd's behaviour as being in poor taste.

Port president Brett Duncason encouraged fans to leave the All-Australian centre-half back alone.

“It’s not my role to tell our supporters what to do, but I’d encourage them to concentrate on our guys and getting them across the line,” Duncanson said.

“We believe they’re the most passionate supporters in the land and they’re very passionate about our superstars.

“I’m sure they’ll concentrate on our people and what Adelaide’s players are up to is up to them.”

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


AFL backs bad bounce umpires

April 27th 2009 06:14
THE three umpires responsible for the bad bouncing during Sunday's Western Bulldogs-Carlton clash at Etihad Stadium are unlikely to be dropped this week.

Umpires Mathew Nicholls, Heath Ryan and Michael Vozzo were all forced to recall bad bounces during the match.

AFL media manager Patrick Keane said on Monday the umpiring department had expressed some concern over the poor bouncing display by the three umpires but said they were likely to officiate again this weekend.

"The umpires are required to execute the skill and its part of how they are assessed for a match, along with decision-making, match control etc," Keane said.

"Selection is based on all those factors for the next week and that gets decided through the week."

(But) if you've had one bad game you're not generally omitted - the same as a player - but it you’re struggling for a period, it can impact on you."

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Hille to undergo traditional knee op

April 27th 2009 05:58
ESSENDON ruckman David Hille will have a knee reconstruction on Thursday after scans confirmed he has torn his anterior cruciate ligament.

The Bombers have elected not to pursue the revolutionary surgery which Sydney's Nick Malceski had last year in a bid to speed up his recovery due to the damage surrounding Hille's torn ligaments.

Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the club is hopeful Hille will be fit for round one next year.

"We're expecting him to be out for the rest of the year, clearly. We'd love to think that he might be back for round one [2010], but generally it's a 12 month injury," Hamilton said.

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


Hawks our big test: Ratten

April 27th 2009 04:41
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten says the clash with reigning premiers Hawthorn will give him a good indication of how much his side has improved.

The Blues - who are looking to reach the finals for the first time since 2001 - have won three of their first five games - the most recent a 43-point triumph over last year's preliminary finalists the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Bu they face a big test at the MCG on Saturday against a side that has dominated them in recent times.

Carlton's recent record against the Hawks make for ugly reading for Blues supporters - they have lost their past five matches against Hawthorn by an average of 51 points and have been thumped to the tune of 100 and 78 points in the past two meetings.

"They have given us a few nasty whacks over the last few years and they look like they are getting their form back," Ratten said.

"It will be a challenge for our players to respond and see if we have taken the next step against a team that has bullied us in the past."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Injury blow for Lions

April 27th 2009 04:40
BRISBANE has suffered a major blow with midfielder Bradd Dalziell ruled out for up to 12 weeks with a serious knee injury.

Dalziell sustained the injury in the last quarter of the Lions' 93-point loss to Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.

Scans revealed he has suffered a posterior cruciate ligament injury which will see him miss the majority of the season.

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


Harvey to miss up to 12 weeks

April 27th 2009 04:39
NORTH MELBOURNE skipper Brent Harvey will miss up to 12 weeks after scans on Sunday revealed he had injured ligaments on both sides of his elbow.

Harvey dislocated his elbow in Saturday night's 36-point loss to Richmond at Etihad Stadium and will undergo surgery to repair torn ligaments on both sides of the joint.

Kangaroos vice-captain Drew Petrie - who will lead the club in Harvey's absence - said his teammate is shattered.

"Being his first year as captain and he's going to miss the next three months, it's disappointing for him but I don't think he will drop his head around the club," Petrie said.

"He'll still have a major role to play around the club this year."

"I spoke to him last night and he said he would be out for 10 to 12 weeks, which was Dr Con [Mitropoulos]'s prognosis."

"Brent reckons he'll be back in about eight weeks because he's going to try and get back early. With his little bones and little ligaments, he thinks he should be able to heal pretty quickly."

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Bock boos in 'poor taste', says Craig

April 27th 2009 04:38
ADELAIDE coach Neil Craig has criticised the Melbourne crowd for booing All-Australian defender Nathan Bock at the MCG on Sunday evening.

Bock - who recieved a club imposed suspension earlier this season when he was charged by police for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend - was booed by Demons fans every time he touched the football.

Craig admitted that he didn't hear the booing from the coach's box but when told about the abuse he said it was in 'poor taste'.

"Poor taste, that's all I'll say about that. If it's the crowd, I'll say it's poor taste," Craig said.

"He is going to have to handle it."

"I am not going to try and defend and stop football crowds from doing it."

"I just say it is in poor taste and I won't back off from that comment."

"But in the end Nathan has to wear that. That is part of the price he has to pay."

"What I will add to that is that not one Geelong player made a comment to him last week and I would say that is good taste."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


We will bounce back: Eade

April 27th 2009 04:36
WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade is confident his side can bounce back after suffering a 43-point loss to Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

It was the Bulldogs' second straight loss after starting the season with three straight wins.

The Dogs did not lose three matches in a row during the run to the preliminary final in 2008 but face a huge challenge next weekend against an undefeated St Killda side that is only the second team since 1911 to have a percentage greater than 200 after five rounds of the season.

"I think we have shown ourselves to be a fairly resilient group," Eade said.

"But it's going to be an enormous challenge next week against a team in white-hot form but I have got every confidence that we can bounce back."

Eade refused to blame the performance against the Blues on the club's tough schedule which has seen it play in Perth twice in the first month of the season and said poor kicking for goal cost his side.

"We missed five or six within 30 metres and that is not counting Brian's horrendous decision in the goalsquare," he said.

Eade was referring to full-back Brian Lake's decision in the dying stages of the third term to play-on after marking just 20 metres from goal.

A goal would have reduced the deficit to just 20 points but instead Carlton went into three-quarter time with a 27-point lead and effectively put the result beyond doubt when Eddie Betts kicked truly one minute into the final term.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Hille out for season

April 26th 2009 10:27
ESSENDON ruckman David Hille will miss the remainder of the season after scans on Sunday confirmed he had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

Hille suffered the injury in the first term of his side's thrilling five-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Anzac Day.

Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said the club will need some of its younger players to step up and fill the void left by Hille who will undergo surgery.

"He will have an operation soon and will begin his rehabilitation immediately after that," Hamilton said.

"This is very disappointing for David because he is one of our strong leaders on and off the field and we are going to miss him."

"We now need some young players to step up and this has been a focus of ours"

With Jason Laycock sidelined with a foot injury, the Dons look set to promote rookie Tom Bellchambers to support Patrick Ryder in the ruck.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Crows down Dees

April 26th 2009 10:12
ADELAIDE has held on for a 17-point win over Melbourne in windy conditions at the MCG on Sunday.

The Crows led at every change and withstood a last-quarter surge from the Demons to record an unconvincing 7.9 (51) to 4.10 (34) victory.

Adelaide held Melbourne goalless in the first half - the first time the Demons failed to kick a goal in a opening half since round nine, 1997.

Simon Goodwin, Ben Rutten and Nathan Bock were rock-solid in defence and set up Adelaide’s attacking forays forward.

Goodwin was particularly damaging early, racking up 25 of his 35 touches in the first half while Bernie Vince was influential with 33 possessions.

Graham Johncock generated plenty of run off half-back with 25 disposals and one goal while Kurt Tippett chimed in with two valuable goals.

For Melbourne, Brock McLean, Brent Moloney and Aaron Davey won plenty of the football while Lynden Dunn was his side’s only multiple goal kicker with two majors.

The Demons couldn’t find an avenue to goal in the first half and were punished on the rebound by the Crows who were able to run the football out of defensive 50 under no pressure.

Despite being held goalless to half-time Melbourne was only down by 27 points at the main break as the Crows managed just 4.6 in a first half that wasn’t a great advertisement for the game.

Melbourne’s 0.3 (3) in the first half was its worst first-half score since round one, 1991.

The margin blew out to more than five goals when Andrew McLeod kicked truly on the run in the third term.

The Crows appeared to be on course for a convincing win but the Demons lifted their rating and started to control general play.

They were finally rewarded for their hard work when Dunn converted from an acute angle at the 16-minute mark.

Melbourne continued to press but failed to make any serious inroads on the scoreboard and went into the final change trailing by 25 points.

Two goals in three minutes from Tippett saw the margin extend to a seemingly unassailable 37 points at the five-minute mark of the final stanza.

But the Demons refused to give in and hit back with majors from Dunn, Brock McLean and skipper James McDonald to close to within 15 points.

However, it was too little too late with Adelaide holding firm in the dying stages to secure their third win of the season.

MELBOURNE: 0.1, 0.3, 1.6, 4.10 (34)
ADELAIDE: 2.4, 4.6, 5.7, 7.9 (51)
GOALS: Melbourne: Dunn 2, McLean, McDonald
Adelaide: Tippett 2, Walker, Johncock, Porplyzia, Stevens, McLeod
BEST: Melbourne: McLean, Moloney, Davey, Bruce, Jones, Dunn
Adelaide: Goodwin, Bock, Johncock, Rutten, Thompson, Vince, Tippett
INJURIES: Melbourne: Nil
Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Hendrie, Armstrong, Schmitt
CROWD: 14,129 at the MCG


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


Blues too good for Dogs

April 26th 2009 07:38
CARLTON has snapped a two-game losing streak with a 43-point demolition of the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Inspired by their former president Richard Pratt who is gravely ill, the Blues led at every change and eventually prevailed 21.7 (133) to 13.12 (90).

The Bulldogs entered inside their 50 the same amount of times as Carlton but failed to make the most of their chances.

The win sees the Blues move to third place on the ladder with a 3-2 win-loss record while the Dogs have now lost their last two matches after starting the season with three straight wins.

Kade Simpson and Ryan Houlihan racked up a game-high 29 possessions apiece. They were well supported by Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy who won plenty of the football while Bret Thornton was busy in defence with 27 touches and 14 marks.

Andrew Carrazzo kept Bulldogs playmaker Lindsay Gilbee to just 14 touches while Matthew Kreuzer was influential with 17 possessions, 14 hit outs and two goals.

The Blues had 12 individual goal kickers for the match - Eddie Betts and Brendan Fevola the most effective with three apiece.

Fevola’s snap over his shoulder early in the third term saw him join current president Stephen Kernahan (738) and Harry 'Soapy' Vallence (722 goals) as the only Carlton players to kick 500 career goals.

For the Bulldogs, classy youngster Shaun Higgins (27 possessions) and Matthew Boyd (26 disposals) tried hard all day while skipper Brad Johnson booted four goals.

The Dogs had two more scoring shots than the Blues in the first term but found themselves trailing by 13 points at quarter-time.

Carlton made the most of their chances in the opening stanza, booting 4.1 while the Bulldogs were incredibly wasteful in front of goal, kicking a wayward 1.6.

Jarrad Waite kicked the first major of the second term but Dogs hit back with four unanswered goals to open up a seven-point lead.

But their joy was short-lived with the Blues slamming on six of the last seven goals of the first half to go into half-time with a 24-point advantage.

The contest appeared to be over when the margin blew out to 38 points in the third quarter but the Bulldogs hit back with goals from Boyd and Johnson to give themselves a glimmer of hope heading into the final change with the Blues holding a 27-point lead.

Any hopes of a come-from-behind win was quashed by Carlton who slammed on six goals to three in the final stanza.

The Dogs will now face the unbeaten Saints in the twilight match at Etihad Stadium next Sunday while Carlton will clash with reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 1.6, 6.9, 10.10, 13.12 (90)
CARLTON: 4.1, 11.3, 15.7, 21.7 (133)
GOALS: Bulldogs: Johnson 4, Boyd 2, Giansiracusa 2, Higgins, Griffen, Hill, Picken, Hahn
Carlton: Fevola 3, Betts 3, Russell 2, Simpson 2, Cloke 2, Houlihan 2, Kreuzer 2, Murphy, O'hAilpin, Waite, Carrazzo, Gibbs
BEST: Bulldogs: Higgins, Boyd, Johnson, Cross, Giansiracusa, Hill
Carlton: Murphy, Kreuzer, Gibbs, Houlihan, Carazzo, Simpson, Thornton
INJURIES: Bulldogs: Nil
Carlton: Nil
UMPIRES: Vozzo, H Ryan, M Nicholls
REPORTS: Bulldogs: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 44,268 at Etihad Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Cats crush Lions

April 26th 2009 06:22
GEELONG remains undefeated in 2009 after thumping Brisbane to the tune of 93 points in wet conditions at Skilled Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Cats set up their fifth win of the season with a dominant first half before cruising to a convincing 18.18 (126) to 5.3 (33) victory.

Gary Ablett did his Brownlow medal chances no harm with a game-high 42 possessions and two goals, including an absolute gem from the boundary line in the final term.

He received good support in the middle from Paul Chapman and Joel Selwood who racked up 30-plus disposals while James Bartel was also a busy contributor with 26 touches, 13 tackles and one goal.

Mark Blake (36 hit outs) provided his midfield with first use of the football while Matthew Scarlett kept Daniel Bradshaw goalless.

Cameron Mooney was influential with 22 possessions, 10 marks, three goals while Tom Hawkins and Mathew Stokes also chimed in with three majors apiece.

Highlighting Geelong’s dominance was the fact that they had 15 players finish the match with 20-plus possessions and entered inside their 50 75 times to the Lions’ 30.

For the Lions, Joel Patfull kept Steve Johnson to just 12 possessions and one goal while Jonathan Brown played a lone hand up forward, booting three of his side’s five goals.

Brisbane's score was the lowest score by the club since the merger of Fitzroy and the Brisbane Bears 13 years ago, falling two points short of the 5.5 (35) they kicked against the Cats at the same venue in 2007.

The heavy rain and strong cross-wind in the first quarter didn’t trouble Geelong who continually won the football at the stoppages and moved it quickly through the middle of the ground as they slammed on five unanswered goals to go into the first change with a 32-point lead.

The Lions finally kicked their first goal of the match at the second-minute mark of the second term through Justin Sherman.

Brisbane managed three for the quarter but the rampant Cats added eight of their own to open up a match-winning 65-point advantage at the main break.

Max Rooke provided the first-half highlight, dribbling one home from an impossible angle.

Brisbane stemmed the flow of goals in the second half but the damage had already been done.

The only interest left in the match after half-time was whether Geelong could blow the margin out to triple figures.

GEELONG: 5.4, 13.8, 15.11, 18.18 (126)
BRISBANE: 0.2, 3.3, 4.3, 5.3 (33)
GOALS: Geelong: Hawkins 3, Mooney 3, Stokes 3, Ablett 2, Byrnes 2, Rooke 2, Bartel, S.Johnson, Varcoe
Brisbane: Brown 3, Rich, Sherman
BEST: Geelong: Mooney, Ablett, Chapman, Scarlett, Selwood, Bartel
Brisbane: Patfull, Brown, Rich
INJURIES: Geelong: TBC
Brisbane: TBC
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: McBurney, Kamolins, Findlay
CROWD: 15,580 at Skilled Stadium

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Hille set to miss rest of the season

April 26th 2009 03:58
ESSENDON ruckman David Hille looks set to miss the rest of the season after injuring his knee in his side's thrilling five-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Anzac Day.

The club is yet to confirm that Hille had ruptured his ACL but Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said it was 'not looking good' for the Bombers number one ruckman.

"We will have the MRI scan today and have it confirmed," Hamilton told Channel Seven on Sunday.

"The surgeons have had a look at him and our club doctor Bruce Reid has had a look at him and they are confident it is an ACL so it's not looking good at all."

Hamilton also said the Bombers would consider the same kind of ground-breaking surgery on Hille that was performed on Sydney star Nick Malceski last year which enabled him to return in just three months.

"It is a possibility, we will look at all options," he said.

"With surgery like that it really depends on the injury itself."

"If it's a clean tear and nothing else has happened then there is a possibility but any type of complication at all then that type of surgery won't be considered."

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


Harvey to miss at least six weeks

April 26th 2009 01:41
NORTH MELBOURNE skipper Brent Harvey is facing an extended stint on the sidelines after dislocating his elbow in his side's 36-point loss to Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Harvey went to ground clutching his elbow after an innocuous tackle from Tigers midfielder Matt White in the first term.

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley said the best-case scenario would see Harvey miss six to seven weeks.

"He's in for a long stint on the sidelines," Laidley said.

"He dislocated his elbow. If he's torn the ligaments it will be at least 12 weeks, and if the ligaments are still intact it will probably be six to seven."

Laidley also said promising young defender Lachlan Hansen will miss two to three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the final quarter.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Round five preview: Melbourne v Adelaide

April 25th 2009 16:06
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Sunday 26 April, 4.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 26, Melbourne 9, Adelaide 17

LAST TIME: Adelaide 22.18 (150) def Melbourne 11.8 (74), Round 8 2008 at AAMI Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Adelaide has won seven of its past ten against Melbourne but only one of those wins have come at the MCG.

FORM: Melbourne broke through for its first win of the season last Sunday, downing Richmond by eight points at the MCG. Adelaide has won two of its first four matches with their two losses coming at the hands of two undefeated sides in St Kilda and Geelong.

MEDICAL ROOM: Melbourne welcomes back skipper James McDonald from a hamstring injury but will be without utility Brad Green (broken jaw) for six to eight weeks. Simon Buckley (groin), Daniel Bell (thumb), small forward Austin Wonaeamirri (hamstring) Paul Wheatley (quad), Mark Jamar (foot) and Colin Garland (foot) are unavailable. The Crows welcome back utility Scott Stevens who suffered concussion in the win over Fremantle in round three. Midfielder Chris Knights (eye), Trent Hentschel (knee), Nick Gill (hamstring) and Brett Burton (knee) are still sidelined.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Nathan Bock vs. Brad Miller

Miller was Melbourne’s most productive forward last weekend with 17 possessions, 10 marks and three goals.

The 25-year-old consistently provides a target across half-forward and will need to fire again if the Demons are going to make it back-to-back wins.

Bock started up forward against Geelong but will most likely return to his customary position in defence on Sunday where he will line-up on Miller.

The Demons will need to be clean with their use of the football going forward to give Miller the best chance of having an impact otherwise Bock - who is second at the Crows for disposals and rebound 50’s per game - will simply mop the football up and set up his side’s attacking forays forward.

Clint Bartram vs. Scott Thompson

Thompson has been one of Adelaide’s most consistent performers so far this season, averaging 23 possessions per game.

The former Demon is ranked first at the Crows for first possessions and second for inside 50’s.

Melbourne will be keen to limit his influence at the stoppages and shut-down the drive he provides through the middle.

Bartram had the better of his duel with Richmond young gun Brett Deledio last weekend and looms as the obvious candidate to run with Thompson.

The 21-year-old racked up 20 touches in the win over the Tigers and he will need to win his fair share of the football again on Sunday in order to make Thompson accountable.

Colin Sylvia vs. Andrew McLeod

Sylvia played his best game of the season against Richmond - the 23-year-old finishing with 19 disposals, six marks and two goals.

McLeod has been below his best in recent weeks and was particularly quiet in the loss to the Cats, managing just 11 possessions.

The dual Norm Smith medallist is due for a big game and could well explode against Melbourne.

The Demons will be keen to shut-down his creative run off half-back and could put Sylvia on him in a bid to make him accountable.

The challenge for Sylvia will be to step up and string together two good performances - something which he has struggled to do so far in his 73-game career.

Nathan van Berlo vs. Cameron Bruce

Bruce was influential in the win over the Tigers with 24 disposals, eight marks and five inside 50’s.

The 29-year-old is damaging with his ability to the use the football cleanly and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Limiting his influence through the middle will be a key for Adelaide if they are going to prevent Melbourne’s forwards from getting quality supply.

van Berlo has the tank to run with Bruce and will most likely be used in an attacking run with role.

The 22-year-old, who was one of his side’s best the last time the Crows played at the MCG in round one against Collingwood with 21 possessions, seven marks and two goals, will try and hurt Bruce going the other way.

VERDICT: Adelaide has won four of its past six matches at the MCG but they haven’t defeated Melbourne at the home of football for seven years. They will break the drought on Sunday with their evenness across the field set to be the difference in what will be a closer contest than many pundits expect. Crows by 19 points.

MELBOURNE v ADELAIDE
MELBOURNE
B: Neville Jetta, Matthew Warnock, Clint Bartram
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jared Rivers, Ricky Petterd, Brock McLean
HF: Cale Morton, Michael Newton, Nathan Jones
F: Brad Miller, Colin Sylvia, Matthew Bate
Foll: John Meesen, Cameron Bruce, James McDonald
I/C: Paul Johnson, Brent Moloney, Jamie Bennell, Lynden Dunn
Emg: Russell Robertson, Kyle Cheney, Addam Maric

In: McDonald
Out: Brad Green (jaw)

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andrew Otten
HB: Michael Doughty, Nathan Bock, Nathan van Berlo
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Simon Goodwin, David Mackay
HF: Richard Douglas, Taylor Walker, Andrew McLeod
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Jon Griffin, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brent Reilly, Myke Cook, Scott Stevens, Jared Petrenko
Emg: Jarrhan Jacky, Robert Shirley, Brad Moran

In: Cook, Griffin, Stevens
Out: Ivan Maric, Brad Symes, Robert Shirley

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Round five preview: Western Bulldogs v Carlton

April 25th 2009 15:39
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 26 April, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 135: Carlton 47, Bulldogs 84, Drawn 4

LAST TIME: Carlton 18.18 (126) d Bulldogs 15.8 (98) at Etihad Stadium, Round 18, 2008

RECENT HISTORY: The honours have been shared in the past ten clashes between these two sides but Carlton has won the past two.

FORM: The Western Bulldogs suffered their first loss of the season last Sunday, going down to West Coast by 33 points in hot conditions at Subiaco Oval. Carlton has lost its past two to Essendon and Sydney after starting the season with wins over Richmond and Brisbane.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Bulldogs welcome back classy forward Robert Murphy who had his start to the year delayed by knee soreness but will again be without star midfielder Adam Cooney who missed last weekend’s loss to the Eagles with a knee injury. The Blues welcome back promising young defender Michael Jamison (shoulder) and midfielder Andrew Carrazzo who will play his first game for the season after breaking his arm in Carlton’s intra-club match in February. Meanwhile, utility Andrew Walker (knee), Robbie Warnock (foot), Darren Pfeiffer (shoulder) and Adam Bentick (knee) remain sidelined.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brian Lake vs. Brendan Fevola

The last time these two sides met in round 17 last year Fevola proved to be the difference, booting six goals to help lift his side to a 30-point victory.

Fevola has been dangerous so far this season but his kicking for goal is clearly hampered by his bruised heel - the 28-year-old has booted a wasteful 12.13 in 2009.

The Blues will need Fevola to make the most his chances on Sunday as he will have limited opportunities with the in-form Lake to be his direct opponent.

Liam Picken vs. Chris Judd

Judd was his side’s best in the loss to the Swans with 30 possessions and nine inside 50’s.

The Carlton skipper was also influential in the round 17 victory last year with a game-high 32 possessions and seven inside 50’s.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade will be keen to shut-down Judd's run and carry and prevent him from delivering the football cleanly inside 50 to Fevola and co.

Picken has been given some big tagging jobs on some of the competition’s elite midfielders so far this season and has impressed.

Expect the 22-year-old to be given the task of tagging Judd in what will be a pivotal duel.

The Bulldogs will need Picken to pay close attention to the 2004 Brownlow medallist at the stoppages where he is at his most damaging.

Bryce Gibbs vs. Ryan Griffen

Griffen was one of his side’s best in the loss to the Eagles with 24 possessions, one goal and five inside 50’s.

With Cooney still out of the side the Bulldogs will need Griffen to continually break the lines and pump the football into the forward line.

Shutting down Griffen’s run and carry will be a key for the Blues if they are going to contain a talented Bulldogs forward line that boasts the likes of Brad Johnson, Daniel Giansiracusa, Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn and Murphy.

Expect Gibbs to run with Griffen in what will be an intriguing contest between two of the game’s brightest young talents.

Gibbs has shown in the past that he is capable of curtailing the influence of some of the competition’s most damaging midfielders and also hurting them the other way with his clean use of the football.

Jarrad Waite vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson failed to have an impact in the loss to West Coast, managing just the one goal.

The Bulldogs skipper will be keen to fire on Sunday and will need to be watched closely as he rarely has two bad games in a row.

Expect Waite who can match Johnson in the air and at ground level to be given first crack at the 328-game veteran.

Waite - who racked up a career-best 31 possessions in the loss to the Swans - will try and run off Johnson at every available opportunity and punish him on the rebound.

If the Blues can apply relentless pressure all over the ground as they did in the first two rounds of the home-and-away season the Bulldogs' mid-sized forwards will struggle to receive the clean supply they rely on to kick a winning score.

VERDICT: Carlton will be keen to win on Sunday for their former president Richard Pratt who is gravely ill but the Western Bulldogs simply have too many scoring options for the Blues to contain and should get up in what shapes as being a high-scoring affair. Bulldogs by 24 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dylan Addison, Brian Lake, Tom Williams
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Ryan Hargrave
C: Josh Hill, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jarrad Grant, Will Minson, Daniel Giansiracusa
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Shaun Higgins
I/C: Nathan Eagleton, Jarrod Harbrow, Liam Picken, Callan Ward
Emg: Andrejs Everitt,Guy O’Keefe, Stephen Tiller,

In: Grant, Murphy
Out: Jason Akermanis (suspended), Stephen Tiller

New: Jarrad Grant (Dandenong U18)

CARLTON
B: Bret Thornton, Michael Jamison, Andrew Carrazzo
HB: Chris Johnson, Jarrad Waite, Paul Bower
C: Nick Stevens, Marc Murphy, Heath Scotland
HF: Jordan Russell, Simon Wiggins, Kade Simpson
F: Cameron Cloke, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Dennis Armfield, Ryan Houlihan, Aaron Joseph, Setanta O’hAilpin,
Emg: Steven Browne, Richard Hadley, Joe Anderson

In: Carrazzo, Jamison, O’hAilpin, Scotland
Out: Shaun Grigg (ankle), Sam Jacobs (thigh), Mitch Robinson, Richard Hadley,

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Round five preview: Geelong v Brisbane

April 25th 2009 15:11
VENUE and TIME: Skilled Stadium, Sunday 26 April, 1.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 33, Geelong 16, Brisbane Lions 16, Draw 1

LAST TIME: Geelong 15.15 (105) def Brisbane Lions 11.12 (78), Round 7 2008 at Skilled Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Geelong has won its past five against Brisbane.

FORM: The Cats maintained their unbeaten start to the season with a 48-point win over Adelaide in a high-quality contest at AAMI Stadium last weekend. The Lions started brightly against Collingwood but faded badly in the second half, eventually going down by 17 points. Michael Voss’ men have failed to string together wins so far this season and find themselves in eighth place with a 2-2 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: Geelong welcomes back veteran Darren Milburn who was a late withdrawal last weekend with a back injury but will be without tagger Cameron Ling (Achilles) for three to four weeks. Skipper Tom Harley (knee) will miss at least another week while ruckman Brad Ottens is expected to miss at least a month with a knee injury. Josh Hunt (knee), fellow defender Matthew Egan (foot) and youngster Mitch Brown (broken leg) will miss the remainder of the season. For the Lions, ruckman Jamie Charman will be sidelined for four to six weeks with an ankle injury. He joins fellow ruckman Matthew Leuenberger (knee) on the injury list.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Troy Selwood vs. Gary Ablett
Ablett was at his devastating best in the win over the Crows, racking up a staggering 46 possessions and booting three goals.

The Brownlow medal favourite is damaging with his ability to win the football at the stoppages, break the lines and kick goals.

If the Lions are going to be any chance of securing the four premiership points on Sunday they will need to shut-down Ablett’s creative run.

Selwood is often given the task of tagging the opposition’s best midfielder and looms as the obvious candidate to run with Ablett in what shapes as being a pivotal contest.

Ablett is capable of turning a game on its head in the space of a quarter so Selwood will need to switched on and not give the classy 24-year-old any time or space all day.

Max Rooke vs. Simon Black

Despite missing all of the pre-season Black has been one of his side’s most influential players in the first four rounds, averaging 23 disposals per game.

The 2002 Brownlow medallist leads the Lions for clearances and is second for first possessions.

Geelong will be keen to limit his effectiveness in close and prevent him from getting Brisbane’s running game going with his ability to find the likes of Jed Adock, Luke Power, Travis Johnstone and co. in space with his clean use of the football by hand.

Ling would normally get the job on Black but with him on the sidelines Geelong coach Mark Thompson will most likely give Rooke the task of running with the classy Brisbane midfielder.

Expect Rooke who is strong overhead to push forward at every available opportunity in a bid to make Black accountable.

Matthew Scarlett vs. Daniel Bradshaw

Bradshaw failed to fire a shot in the loss to the Magpies, managing just seven possessions and no goals.

The Lions will need him to lift on Sunday if they are going to be any chance of securing a valuable win away from home but his task won’t be an easy one as he will be matched up by the Cats best defender in Scarlett.

The last time these two sides met in round seven last year Scarlett did a superb blanketing job on Bradshaw, restricting the Brisbane forward to just three possessions and one goal.

If Scarlett is able to do a similar job this weekend the Lions won’t be able to kick a big enough score to overcome a Geelong side that is the most attacking outfit in the competition.

Expect Bradshaw to start further up the ground and drag Scarlett away from the defensive 50 where he is at his most damaging with his rebounding ability.

Mitch Clark vs. Mark Blake

With Leuenberger and Charman on the sidelines the Lions will be relying on Clark to do most of the work in the ruck.

Brisbane don’t need Clark to be a dominant force in the ruck but they do need him to at least provide a contest and apply some body pressure on Blake who is ranked fourth in the AFL for hit outs per game.

If Clark fails to provide a contest the Lions will struggle to get the hands on the football at the stoppages and provide their star forwards in Jonathan Brown and Bradshaw with enough quality supply to kick a winning score.

Don’t be surprised if Brisbane opts to use the versatile Jared Brennan as a third man up in the ruck around the ground in order to prevent Blake from tapping the football down the throat of Ablett, James Bartel, Joel Selwood and co.

VERDICT: Brisbane has the class in the midfield to match Geelong and the forwards to worry a Cats side that is missing three of its first-choice defenders but their lack of a quality ruckman and inability to play four quarters of consistent football will prove to be costly. Cats by 37 points.

GEELONG v BRISBANE LIONS
GEELONG
B: Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Max Rooke
C: Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, David Wojcinski
HF: James Kelly, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Steve Johnson
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Shane Mumford, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes, David Johnson
Emg: Tom Lonergan, Nathan Djerrkura, Ryan Gamble,

In: Milburn, D. Johnson
Out: Cameron Ling (achilles), Tom Lonergan

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jason Roe, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Jared Brennan, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Lachlan Henderson, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone, Jed Adcock
I/C: Bradd Dalziell, Tom Collier, Troy Selwood, James Polkinghorne
Emg: Albert Proud, Scott Harding, Pearce Hanley

In: Henderson, Polkinghorne, Collier
Out: Jamie Charman (knee), Tim Notting, Cheynee Stiller


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Dockers upset Swans

April 25th 2009 14:41
FREMANTLE has opened its account for 2009 with a 21-point win over Sydney at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The Dockers got the early jump and answered every challenge thrown at them by the Swans, eventually prevailing 18. 13 (121) to 16.4 (100).

The win ends a tumultuous week for the club which was under heavy scrutiny after the embarrassing loss to St Kilda and then forced to endure a Ku Klux Klan controversy and Matthew Pavlich trade talk

Midfielder Rhys Palmer sent a scare through the Dockers' camp early in the final term when he collapsed to the turf in pain clutching his right knee.

He was carried off the ground by two trainers but Fremantle’s worst fears were allayed when last year’s NAB Rising star winner shook off the injury to walk unaided around the boundary.

Pavlich had his best game for the season, finishing with 27 possessions and three goals while David Mundy and Luke McPharlin also chimed in with three goals apiece.

Aaron Sandilands was influential in the ruck with 18 possessions, 46 hit outs and one goal while Garrick Ibbotson won plenty of the football.

For Sydney, co-captain Brett Kirk was instrumental in his side’s second half comeback and finished with 27 possessions and 12 tackles in his 200th game. Jude Bolton (28 disposals) tried hard all night while Adam Goodes booted three majors.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey indicated earlier in the week that his side intended to play a more attacking brand of football against the Swans and his players delivered as they slammed on the first three goals of the match in the opening six minutes.

The Swans finally got on the board through Goodes but the Dockers kicked another three to go into quarter-time with a 26-point lead.

The Dockers continued to win the contested football and apply relentless pressure all over the ground in the second term as they kicked five goals to three to open up a commanding 42-point advantage at the main break.

With Kirk leading from the front, the Swans lifted their rating in the third term and started to win more of the football at the stoppages.

They managed six goals for the quarter but were unable to reduce the deficit to less than five goals with the Dockers answering every challenge.

Trailing by 37 points at three-quarter time, the Swans needed a big last quarter and they got off to an ideal start with Goodes and Heath Grudy kicking truly to reduce Fremantle’s lead to just 25 points.

The Swans threatened to run over the top of the Dockers but a brilliant goal from McPharlin after three bounces halted Sydney’s momentum and ensured Fremantle went away with their first premiership points of the season.

FREMANTLE: 6.4, 11.9, 16.10, 18.13 (121)
SYDNEY: 2.2, 5.3, 11.3, 16.4 (100)
GOALS: Fremantle: Mundy 3, Pavlich 3, McPharlin 3, Johnson, Peake 2, Schammer, Thornton, Hayden
Sydney: Goodes 3, Jolly, Mattner, Jack, McVeigh, Shaw, Thornton, Buchanan, Grundy, Barlow, Meredith, O'Keefe
BEST: Fremantle: Pavlich, Mundy, Hayden, Solomon, Ibbotson, Sandilands
Sydney: Kirk, Bolton, Buchanan, Shaw
INJURIES: Fremantle: Palmer (knee)
Sydney: Ablett (shoulder), Bird (shoulder)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Margetts, Dalgleish, Chamberlain
CROWD: 32,884 at Subiaco

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Tigers get first win

April 25th 2009 13:02
RICHMOND has broken through for its first win of the season, downing North Melbourne by 36 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The Tigers’ 13.16 (94) to 7.16 (58) victory takes some of the pressure off embattled coach Terry Wallace who has been guaranteed his job until at least the middle of the year.

The win was achieved with little output from veteran Matthew Richardson who injured his hamstring early in the second quarter.

The 34-year-old returned midway through the third term and limped around the goalsquare before leaving the field late in the final stanza.

The loss was made worse for the Kangaroos with skipper Brent Harvey dislocating his elbow in the first term while Lachlan Hansen suffered a hamstring injury in the last quarter.

Harvey went off at the 12-minute mark nursing his left arm after being tackled by Tiger Matt White and took no further part in the match.

Richmond had 10 individual goal kickers for the match - Jack Riewoldt the most effective with three - all of which came in the second quarter.

Daniel Jackson racked up a game-high 33 possessions while Matt White, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio, Joel Bowden and skipper Chris Newman also won plenty of the football.

Mark Coughlin (16 disposals) made a solid return in his first AFL match in almost three years after two knee reconstructions and an ongoing battle with a chronic hamstring condition while Robin Nahas was lively early, collecting 12 of his 17 touches in the first half.

For the Kangaroos, former skipper Adam Simpson (30 possessions) led from the front, David Hale (28 hit outs) tried hard all night while Andrew Swallow was his side’s only multiple goal kicker with three goals.

But they had little support with several of North’s key players failing to fire.

Drew Petrie was wasteful in front of goal, David Hale managed just one major after booting four goals in the win over Essendon last weekend while Lindsay Thomas had just nine touches and one goal,

Hamish McIntosh (28 hit outs) tried hard all night while Andrew Swallow was his side’s only multiple goal kicker with three majors.

The Roos jumped out the blocks, booting the first three goals of the match to skip out to an early 19-point lead.

But once Harvey left the field the Tigers started to take control and hit back with the last two goals of the quarter to trail by just six points at quarter-time.

Riewoldt benefited from his side’s good use of the football in the second term - booting three goals for the quarter to help the Tigers to a seven-point advantage at half-time.

The Tigers broke the game open in the third term, piling on four goals to one to open up a commanding 27-point lead heading into the final change.

North had their chances to get back into the contest in early in the final term but they missed four gettable opportunities - two were posters.

They were made to pay with Bowden kicking truly moments later to secure a much-needed win for Richmond.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 3.2, 5.6, 6.9, 7.16 (58)
RICHMOND: 2.2, 6.7, 10.12, 13.16 (94)
GOALS: North Melbourne: Swallow 3, Hale, Thomas, Edwards, Warren
Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Bowden 2, White, Deledio, Tuck, Moore, Nahas, Morton, Collins, Newman
BEST: North Melbourne: Simpson, Swallow, McIntosh, McMahon, Rawlings, Urquhart
Richmond: Jackson, Deledio, Newman, Riewoldt, Bowden, Nahas
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Harvey (dislocated elbow), Hansen (hamstring)
Richmond: Richardson (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Hay, Meredith
CROWD: 29,224 at Etihad Stadium
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Hawks hold off Eagles

April 25th 2009 10:58
HAWTHORN remains in touch with the top eight after recording a hard-fought 18-point win over West Coast in slippery conditions at Aurora Stadium on Saturday night.

On a night when goals were hard to come by, Jarryd Roughead and Garry Moss were the difference, booting four goals apiece to lift the Hawks to a 11.8 (74) to 7.14 (56) victory.

The result sees the Hawks move to tenth place on the ladder with a 2-3 win-loss record while the Eagles remain on two wins.

Brad Sewell provided plenty of grunt in the middle and was judged best on ground for his 28-possession game.

Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell was damaging off half-back with a game-high 40 disposals while Luke Hodge also helped set up his side's attacking forays forward with 26 touches.

Jordan Lewis won plenty of the football while Chance Bateman did a superb blanketing job on Daniel Kerr, restricting the Eagles star to just 10 disposals.

For West Coast, Dean Cox was influential with 30 possessions, nine marks and 31 hit-outs while Matt Priddis (32 touches) tried hard all night.

Eagles skipper Darren Glass had the better of his duel with Hawthorn star Lance Franklin while Ben McKinley booted three goals.

Little separated the two sides in a physical and scrappy first half with both teams struggling to cope with the conditions.

West Coast led by just two points at quarter-time before the Hawks booted three goals to one in the second term to go into the main break with an eight-point advantage.

The Eagles got the first goal of the second half through Quinten Lynch but two turnovers resulted in goals to the Hawks as the margin blew out to 14 points.

Hawthorn looked set to run away with the contest but the Eagles lifted their rating and started to win more of the contested football.

They were finally rewarded for their hard work around the ground with McKinley snapping a goal before Priddis made Lewis pay for giving away a silly 50m penalty by kicking truly to reduce the deficit to just two points heading into the final change.

West Coast got the crucial first goal of the final stanza with Adam Hunter slotting one home two minutes in after taking a spectacular pack mark.

The Eagles were in with a real chance of causing an upset but the Hawks hit back with three majors in four minutes to skip out to a handy 14-point lead.

McKinley’s third gave West Coast a sniff but Hawthorn held firm in the dying stages with Franklin sealing the win with his second major.

HAWTHORN: 1.3, 4.5, 6.7, 11.8 (74)
WEST COAST: 1.5, 2.9, 5.11, 7.14 (56)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Moss 4, Roughead 4, Franklin 2, Rioli
West Coast: McKinley 3, A. Embley, Hunter, Lynch, Priddis
BEST: Hawthorn: Mitchell, Sewell, Bateman, Moss, Hodge, Rioli, Lewis
West Coast: Cox, Glass, Rosa, Selwood, Priddis, McKinley
INJURIES: Hawthorn: TBC
West Coast: TBC
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: McLaren, Grun, Pannell
CROWD: TBC at Aurora Stadium

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Dons wins Anzac Day thriller

April 25th 2009 08:01
ESSENDON has come back from the dead to defeat Collingwood by five points in a classic contest at the MCG on Anzac Day.

The Magpies led by 14 points at the 25-minute mark of the final term and appeared to have secured the four premiership points but the Bombers lifted themselves on the canvas and hit back with three goals in four minutes to prevail 13.15 (93) to 12.16 (88).

Some of the gloss was taken off the win for the Dons with ruckman David Hille suffering what appeared to be a serious knee injury in the opening term.

Patrick Ryder stepped up in the absence of Hille and won the Anzac Day medal after helping himself to 16 possessions, 27 hit-outs, 13 tackles and one goal.

Brent Stanton was influential in the middle with a team-high 34 possessions while Ricky Dyson, Jobe Watson and Adam McPhee won plenty of the football.

For the Magpies, Dane Swan, Leon Davis and Scott Pendlebury racked up 30-plus possessions. Scott Prestigiacomo kept Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd goalless while John Anthony booted four majors.

Collingwood started the game brightly with goals from Anthony Rocca and first-gamer Brent Macaffer and looked set to blow the Bombers away in the opening stanza.

But the Dons started to win their fair share of the football and had the next five scoring shots.

However, they failed to translate their good work around the ground onto the scoreboard as they kicked five straight behinds before Jason Winderlich slotted one home at the 24-minute mark.

The Bombers had the same amount of scoring shots as the Magpies in the first quarter but trailed by 15 points at the first change after Travis Cloke kicked truly after the siren.

With Ryder getting on top of Josh Fraser in the ruck, the Bombers were able to take control of the midfield as they slammed on five goals for the quarter.

Anthony booted Collingwood’s only two majors for the quarter to ensure both sides went into the main break on level terms.

Essendon controlled the corridor in the third term and skipped out to a 17-point advantage heading into time-on after Alywn Davey’s freakish bouncing goal.

A late snap from Davis allowed the Pies to remain within striking distance heading into the final change, with the Bombers holding a nine-point advantage.

The Dons should have been further in front at quarter-time but they failed to make the most of their chances in front of goal, booting a wasteful 3.7 for the term.

The Magpies came out firing in the final stanza and opened up a 14-point lead after Davis drilled one home from 55m.

Collingwood looked on course for their third win of the season but a snap from Leroy Jetta and brilliant goal from Ricky Dyson from deep on the boundary got the Dons to within a goal before youngster David Zaharakis sealed a memorable win with just seconds left on the clock.

ESSENDON: 1.5, 6.6, 9.13, 13.15 (93)
COLLINGWOOD: 4.2, 6.6, 8.10, 12.16 (88)
GOALS: Essendon: Lovett 2, Dyson 2, Winderlich, Lonergan, McPhee, Monfries, Stanton, Davey, Ryder, Jetta, Zaharakis
Collingwood: Anthony 4, Davis 2, Rocca, Cloke, Medhurst, Macaffer, L.Brown, Pendlebury
BEST: Essendon: Ryder, Stanton, McPhee, Monfries, Fletcher, Watson
Collingwood: Swan, Pendlebury, O'Bree, Davis, Clarke
INJURIES: Essendon: Hille (knee)
Collingwood: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Mark McVeigh (ankle) replaced in the Essendon line-up by Ricky Dyson. Alan Didak (soreness) replaced in Collingwood's selected side by Brent Macaffer
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Stevic, S.Ryan
CROWD: at the MCG

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Round five preview: Fremantle v Sydney

April 24th 2009 15:34
VENUE and TIME: Subiaco Oval, Saturday 25 April, 8:45 pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 20, Fremantle 8, Sydney 12

LAST TIME: Sydney 17.10 (112) def Fremantle 15.18 (108), Round 19 2008 at the SCG

RECENT HISTORY: Sydney has won its past five against Fremantle but all of those wins have come in Sydney. The Dockers have won four of the five clashes between these two sides at Subiaco Oval.

FORM: Fremantle’s abymsal start to the season continued last Saturday night when they were thumped to the tune of 83 points by a red-hot St Kilda outfit at Etihad Stadium. The Dockers and Richmond are the only sides yet to win a game this season. Sydney bounced back from their loss to Brisbane with a 17-point win over Carlton in a low-scoring affair at the SCG last Saturday. The Swans find themselves in seventh place with a 2-2 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: For Fremantle, elevated rookie Greg Broughton will miss at least another week with an ankle injury while Des Headland is two weeks away from returning from a calf injury. Small forward Hayden Ballantyne is three weeks away from playing after undergoing wrist surgery in the pre-season. For the Swans, spearhead Barry Hall will miss Saturday night’s clash with the groin injury that forced him to miss the win over the Blues. Jared Crouch (thigh) is one to two weeks away while veteran defender Leo Barry (knee) and Tim Schmidt (knee) will be out for another two to three weeks. Exciting youngster Patrick Vezpremi (finger tendons) will spend at least another month on the sidelines.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brett Kirk vs. Paul Hasleby

Hasleby has been impressive so far this season after missing all of 2008 with a serious knee injury.

The 27-year-old - who has averaged just under 23 disposals per game in 2009 - is first at the Dockers for first possessions and second for clearances.

The Swans like to play a lock-down style of football and will be keen to limit Hasleby’s influence in close and prevent him from dishing off the football to the likes of Rhys Palmer, Garrick Ibbotson, Byron Schammer and Stephen Hill who is capable of breaking the lines.

Like Hasleby, Kirk is highly effective in close and looms as the obvious candidate to go head-to-head with the Dockers midfielder.

Kirk will be keen to have an impact in what will be his 200th AFL game and if he can contain Hasleby the Dockers will struggle to win enough of the football in the middle to be competitive.

Ryan Crowley vs. Adam Goodes

The last time these two sides met in round 19 last year Goodes proved to be the difference, booting eight goals to inspire the Swans to a thrilling four-point win.

If the Dockers are going to be any chance of recording their first win of the season they will need to shut-down Goodes’ creative run and prevent him from having an impact on the scoreboard.

Crowley is Fremantle’s number one stopper in the middle and will be given the unenviable task of tagging the dual Brownlow medallist in what will be a pivotal contest.

The 25-year-old was completely outclassed by St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo last weekend - Dal Santo finished with 31 possessions and two goals while Crowley managed just nine touches.

Crowley will need to lift his rating on Saturday night and deny Goodes any time or space otherwise he will cut the Dockers to shreds.

Craig Bolton vs. Matthew Pavlich

Pavlich has been well below his best so far this season, averaging just 16 possessions and booting seven goals in four games.

The Fremantle skipper will be keen to lead from the front and lift his side to a victory after a tumultuous week for the club but he faces a difficult night at the office with Bolton to be his likely opponent.

Bolton restricted Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola to just one goal last weekend and will make Pavlich earn every one of his possessions.

In the loss to the Saints the Dockers entered inside their 50 just 34 times.

If Pavlich is going to have any chance of having a meaningful impact on the contest he will need his midfield to win more of the contested football and delivery it cleanly into the forward line.

Aaron Sandilands vs. Darren Jolly

Jolly has been instrumental in Sydney’s two wins this season but he will face a tougher task on Saturday night when he goes head-to-head with Sandilands.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey indicated during the week that his side intends to play an attacking brand of football.

But for that to happen Sandilands will not only need to win the bulk of the hit-outs but also be creative in where he directs the football at the stoppages as opposition sides have been roving off his taps all season.

If Sandilands fails to mix it up the Swans will be able to dominate the stoppages, dictate the tempo of the game and cruise to an easy victory.

VERDICT: Fremantle will undoubtedly come out firing after being described as 'the AFL's bye' and 'the league's laughing stock' following their humiliating loss to St Kilda but their woes won’t end on Saturday night with Sydney’s more experienced bodies in the middle set to outmuscle a rebuilding Dockers midfield and provide their forwards with enough quality supply to kick a winning score. Swans by 35 points.

FREMANTLE v SYDNEY SWANS
Fremantle
B: Roger Hayden, Michael Johnson, Antoni Grover
HB: Nic Suban, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Byron Schammer, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Chris Tarrant, Rhys Palmer
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy
I/C: Ryan Murphy, Stephen Hill, Clayton Hinkley, Scott Thornton
Emg: Michael Walters, Zac Clarke, Matthew de Boer

In: Murphy, Hinkley, Thornton
Out: Daniel Gilmore, Kepler Bradley, Josh Head

Sydney Swans
B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Heath Grundy, Kieren Jack
F: Paul Bevan, Jesse White, Luke Ablett
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Ed Barlow, Brett Meredith, Kristin Thornton, Amon Buchanan
Emg: Jarred Moore, Ryan Brabazon, Mike Pyke

In: Buchanan
Out: Jarred Moore

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Round five preview: North Melbourne v Richmond

April 24th 2009 15:12
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 25 April, 7.20pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 145, North Melbourne 64, Richmond 80, Drawn 1

LAST TIME: North Melbourne 20.7 (127) def Richmond 13.8 (86), Round 2 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: North Melbourne has won seven of its past ten against Richmond with five of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: North Melbourne snapped a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 12-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium last Sunday and now has two wins from its four matches this season. Richmond is winless in 2009 and sunk to a new low last Sunday with an eight-point loss to last year’s wooden spooners at the MCG.

MEDICAL ROOM: North Melbourne will be without classy midfielder Daniel Wells (hip) for at least another week while Matt Campbell is expected to return in round eight after injuring his hamstring in the win over the Bombers. Liam Anthony (foot) will miss another two weeks while Jesse Smith is sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury. For the Tigers, Mark Coughlan will play his first AFL match in almost three years after two knee reconstructions and ongoing hamstring problems. Veteran forward Nathan Brown will miss the clash against the Kangaroos with a groin injury which is expected to sideline him for two weeks. Boom recruit Ben Cousins (hamstring) is at least two weeks away from being considered for selection. Andrew Raines (knee) and Trent Cotchin (Achilles) will return via the VFL this weekend while former skipper Kane Johnson remains on the long-term injury list with a knee injury.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Daniel Jackson vs. Brent Harvey

Harvey returned to form against the Bombers, helping himself to a game-high 33 possessions, two goals and six inside 50’s.

The North Melbourne skipper has averaged 26 disposals per game in his last four matches against Richmond and looms as the main man the Tigers must contain if they are going to open their account for 2009.

Jackson often gets the job of tagging the opposition’s best midfielder and will most likely be given the task of running with Harvey on Saturday night in what shapes as being a crucial match-up.

The 23-year-old will need to pay close attention to Harvey and not give him any time or space at the stoppages otherwise the North Melbourne veteran will punish the Tigers with his ability to break the lines, kick goals and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Brady Rawlings vs. Brett Deledio

The last time these two sides met in round two last year Deledio was his side’s best with 27 possessions and one goal.

Deledio has struggled to find his best form so far this season and the Tigers will need him to lift and have an impact on the contest as a goal-kicking midfielder that breaks the lines.

The 21-year-old has been particularly quiet when the game has been at its hottest - averaging just 3.5 possessions per game in the first quarter.

Deledio has struggled to break a tag in 2009 and his task won’t get any easier on Saturday night with Rawlings, who has claimed several big scalps during his 185-game career, expected to follow the Richmond midfielder all night.

If the Tigers are going to be any chance of securing a much-needed win they need Deledio to impose himself on the contest early.

Lachlan Hansen vs. Matthew Richardson

Richardson was one of the few Richmond players that had an impact against the Demons, finishing the match with 19 possessions, 15 marks and 4.5.

Hansen has the height and the tank to match Richardson and will most likely be given the task of matching up on the Tigers veteran.

The 34-year-old received very little support last weekend with first-gamer Andrew Collins and Nathan Brown the only other multiple goal kickers.

If the Tigers are going to secure a rare win against the Kangaroos they need the likes of Mitch Morton and Jack Riewoldt to step up as Richardson can’t be expected to do it all on his own.

It is also vital for the Tigers that they move the football quickly into the forward line to give Richardson and co. the best chance of having an impact as they simply don’t have the skills to play a possession brand of football.

Luke McGuane vs. David Hale

Hale was his side’s most productive forward in the win over Essendon, booting four goals.

McGuane has been Richmond’s best defender so far this season and looms as the obvious candidate to match-up on the Kangaroos big man.

The 22-year-old is giving away 10cms to Hale so if the Roos can get the football quickly into the forward line Hale is a chance to kick a bag.

McGuane will need his teammates to apply relentless pressure all over the ground and deny the Kangaroos the use of the corridor otherwise Hale will lead his side to victory with a match-winning haul.

VERDICT: North Melbourne will go into this match with plenty of confidence given their record against Richmond in recent times. Expect them to maintain their dominance over Terry Wallace’s men on Saturday night with the Tigers simply lacking the foot skills and the ability to play four quarters of consistent football to get over a Kangaroos side that knows how to win even when it isn’t playing to the best of its capabilities. Roos by 28 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Josh Gibson, Scott Thompson, Daniel Pratt
HB: Levi Greenwood, Lachlan Hansen, Scott McMahon
C: Leigh Harding, Michael Firrito, Gavin Urquhart
HF: Ben Warren, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey
F: Lindsay Thomas, Aaron Edwards, David Hale
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Ed Lower, Brady Rawlings, Sam Power, Adam Simpson
Emg: Josh Smith, Daniel Harris, Ben Ross

In: Greenwood, Edwards
Out: Josh Smith, Matt Campbell (hamstring)

New: Levi Greenwood (Port Adelaide Magpies)

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Alex Rance
HB: Jordan McMahon, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Andrew Collins
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Joel Bowden
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Brett Deledio
Foll: Angus Graham, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Mark Coughlan, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Robin Nahas, Matt White
Emg: Shane Edwards, Jay Schulz, Will Thursfield

In: Coughlan, Pattison, Tambling, Oakley-Nicholls
Out: Nathan Brown (groin), Tom Hislop, Troy Simmonds, Daniel Connors


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Round five preview: Hawthorn v West Coast

April 24th 2009 14:29
VENUE and TIME: Aurora Stadium, Saturday 25 April, 5.20pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 34, Hawthorn 13, West Coast 21

LAST TIME: Hawthorn 19.19 (133) def West Coast 9.8 (62), Round 21 2008 at Subiaco Oval

RECENT HISTORY: Hawthorn has won its past three matches against West Coast but the honours have been shared in the four matches between these two sides at Aurora Stadium.

FORM: Hawthorn slumped to a 1-3 win-loss record after going down to Port Adelaide by 30 points at the MCG last Saturday. West Coast bounced back from their humiliating 97-point loss to St Kilda with an impressive 33-point victory over the highly-rated Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval last Sunday. The Eagles find themselves in 10th place on the AFL ladder with a 2-2 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: Hawthorn welcomes back midfielder Travis Tuck from a hip injury but are still without key defender Trent Croad (foot), Stephen Gilham (knee), Xavier Ellis (foot) and Rick Ladson (knee). Michael Osborne (hamstring) is another week away from playing while Grant Birchall won‘t return for another two to three weeks. Brent Guerra will miss two matches after injuring his hamstring in the loss to the Power. For the Eagles, midfielder Chris Masten (cork) will miss while veteran Chad Fletcher has recovered from a groin injury which saw him miss the clash against the Dogs but he won‘t play against Hawthorn on Saturday. Boom recruit Nick Naitanui was scheduled to play in the WAFL this weekend after having his pre-season interrupted by knee surgery but the exciting youngster reported to training with a tight hamstring and will be rested.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brad Sewell vs. Daniel Kerr

Kerr overcame a sluggish start to finish with a team-high 29 possessions against the Bulldogs - 13 of which came in the third term as West Coast broke the match open.

The Eagles star was particularly influential in close, winning the football at the stoppages and dishing it off to his teammates - 22 of his 29 touches were handballs.

Hawthorn will be keen to limit his influence in the middle and will give their best midfield stopper in Sewell the task of running with Kerr.

Sewell will need to not give the 25-year-old any time or space at the stoppages and be on his game defensively for the full four quarters as Kerr has shown in the Eagles’ two wins this season that he is capable of turning a game on its head in the space of a quarter.

Expect Sewell who was one of his side’s best in the loss to the Power with 28 touches to try and hurt Kerr going the other way.

Eric MacKenzie vs. Lance Franklin

Franklin was influential in the two matches between these two sides last year, booting a total of nine goals.

Last year’s Coleman medallist has struggled to find his best form so far this season but still looms as a main danger for the Eagles.

Mackenzie - who has impressed down back in 2009 - has the height and athletic capabilities to run with Franklin and will most likely be given the unenviable task of matching up on the Hawthorn star.

Franklin and fellow forward Jarryd Roughead were able to boot a total of 17 goals against West Coast last season because their midfield was allowed to deliver the football inside 50 with minimal pressure.

In last weekend’s win over the Bulldogs the Eagles applied immense pressure all over the ground and forced Rodney Eade’s men into several turnovers.

They will need to play with the same level of intensity on Saturday and deny the Hawks the use of the corridor if they are going to contain Franklin, Roughead and co.

Thomas Murphy vs. Quinten Lynch

Lynch was among 11 individual goal kickers for West Coast in the win over the Bulldogs - the Eagles big man finishing the match with three majors.

With Croad and Gilham still on the sidelines, Murphy looms as the obvious candidate to match-up on Lynch.

Murphy was completely outclassed by Warren Tredrea last weekend - the former Port Adelaide skipper finishing the match with six goals.

If the Eagles can move the football quickly through the middle of the ground then Lynch is capable of having a day out.

Adam Selwood vs. Sam Mitchell

The last time these two sides met in round 21 last year Mitchell was influential with a game-high 34 possessions.

If the Eagles are going to be any hope of containing Hawthorn’s talented forward line they will need to quell the influence of Mitchell who is damaging with his ability to win the football at the stoppages and find his teammates in space.

Expect Mitchell to receive close attention from Selwood who continued his brilliant start to 2009 with 27 possessions and one goal against the Dogs.

Selwood has won his fair share of the contested football so far this season and will need to do so again on Saturday in order to make Mitchell accountable.

VERDICT: West Coast will fancy their chances of securing the four premiership points against a Hawthorn side that is badly out of form and still missing several key players. But after an energy sapping game against the Bulldogs in hot conditions they will struggle to run out the match and will be found wanting on the wide open expanses of Aurora Stadium. Hawks by 22 points.

HAWTHORN v WEST COAST
HAWTHORN
B: Jarryd Morton, Thomas Murphy, Brendan Whitecross
HB: Clinton Young, Brent Renouf, Luke Hodge
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Cameron Stokes
F: Campbell Brown, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Travis Tuck
I/C: Robert Campbell, Beau Dowler, Stuart Dew, Garry Moss
Emg: Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn, Ryan Schoenmakers

In: Tuck
Out: Brent Guerra (hamstring)

WEST COAST
B: David Wirrpanda, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Adam Hunter, Adam Selwood
C: Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Brent Staker
HF: Sam Butler, Ashley Hansen, Andrew Embley
F: Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Tyson Stenglein
I/C: Mitch Brown, Brett Jones, Mark Nicoski, Will Schofield
Emg: Adam Cockie, Chad Fletcher, Josh Kennedy

In: Butler
Out: Chris Masten (cork)

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Round five preview: Essendon v Collingwood

April 24th 2009 14:09
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday 25 April, 2.20pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 218, Essendon 97, Collingwood 117, Drawn 4

LAST TIME: Essendon 19.14 (128) def Collingwood 11.14 (80), Round 17 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: Collingwood has won three of its past four against Essendon.

FORM: Essendon had its two-game winning streak broken by North Melbourne who prevailed by 12 points in a contest that failed to reach any great heights at Etihad Stadium last Sunday. The Bombers find themselves in ninth place with a 2-2 win-loss record. Collingwood has also won two of its four matches - the most recent a gutsy 17-point win over Brisbane - and is in sixth place on the ladder thanks to a superior percentage.

MEDICAL ROOM: Essendon will be without midfielder Hayden Skipworth for two to three weeks after the former Adelaide Crow injured his hamstring in the loss to the Roos. Scott Gumbleton (back) and Jason Laycock (foot) are sidelined indefinitely. Michael Hurley (quad) and Darcy Daniher (groin) are a chance to return in round six while Kyle Reimers (quad) will be sidelined until at least round seven. Brent Prismall (knee) and Andrew Welsh (ankle) won’t play until the second half of the home-and-away season. For Collingwood, star defender Heath Shaw (hamstring) will miss the Anzac Day clash. John McCarthy (hamstring) and forward Sean Rusling (shoulder) are also unavailable while Ben Johnson (broken leg) will miss at least another eight weeks.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Simon Prestigiacomo vs. Matthew Lloyd

The last time these two sides met in round 17 last year Lloyd played a key role, booting four goals to help lift the Bombers to a 48-point win.

Lloyd was the only Essendon forward that had an impact in the loss to the Kangaroos - he booted three goals - and if the Magpies are able to contain him on Saturday they will secure the four premiership points.

Prestigiacomo is Collingwood’s most experienced defender and will be given first crack at the Essendon skipper in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

In the loss to the Roos the Bombers entered inside their forward 50 six more times than their opponents but managed three fewer goals.

The Essendon midfield will need to be cleaner and smarter with their use of the football going forward if the likes of Lloyd are going to have any hope of having a meaningful impact.

Shane O’Bree vs. Jobe Watson

Watson was influential in the round 17 clash between these two sides last year, racking up a game-high 41 possessions - 24 of which were by hand.

The 24-year-old is an integral part of the Essendon midfield with his ability to win the football at the stoppages and dish it off by hand to find the Bombers’ pacy runners in space.

If the Magpies are going to be any hope of shutting down Essendon’s running game they will need to limit Watson’s influence in close.

Expect O’Bree, who won a game-high nine clearances in the victory over the Lions to go head-to-head with Watson in the middle.

If O’Bree is able to prevent Watson from winning the football in close the Essendon forwards will struggle to get enough quality supply to kick a winning score.

Dustin Fletcher vs. Paul Medhurst

Medhurst was instrumental in the Magpies’ win over the Lions with four goals and was also damaging in his side’s last win over the Bombers in round six last year with six majors.

The former Fremantle Docker is good overhead for his size - making Fletcher - who has the ability to play on talls and small the obvious candidate to match up on him.

As he showed against the Lions, Medhurst is capable of turning a game on its head with a quick burst of goals, so Fletcher will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters.

Fletcher has averaged 17.5 disposals per game so far in 2009 and will try and punish Medhurst on the rebound.

Mark McVeigh vs. Scott Pendlebury

Pendlebury was his side’s most influential midfielder in the win over the Lions with a game-high 35 possessions.

When these two sides met in round six last year Pendlebury wreaked havoc, collecting a game-high 33 touches in a performance that earned him two Brownlow medal votes.

The 21-year-old hurts sides with his clean use of the football and if the Bombers are going to be any hope of containing a multi-pronged Collingwood attack they will need to limit his influence through the middle.

Expect Essendon coach Matthew Knights to use McVeigh in an attacking run with role on Pendlebury.

McVeigh will need to deny Pendlebury the time and space to dispose of the football cleanly and also win his fair share of the football and hurt the classy Magpies youngster going the other way.

VERDICT: These two teams traded wins last season with Collingwood thumping Essendon to the tune of 73 points before the Bombers bounced back with an eight goal win. It will be the Magpies who take the honours first again in 2009 with their multiple options in attack set to be too much for an inexperienced Essendon defence to contain. Magpies by 28 points.

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD
ESSENDON
B: Dustin Fletcher, Tayte Pears, Henry Slattery
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Adam McPhee, Heath Hocking
C: Mark McVeigh, Brent Stanton, Sam Lonergan
HF: Jason Winderlich, Scott Lucas, David Zaharakis
F: Patrick Ryder, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
I/C: Angus Monfries, Nathan Lovett-Murray, David Myers, Leroy Jetta
Emg: Ricky Dyson, Jay Nash, Bachar Houli

In: Lovett-Murray, Lonergan, Myers, Hocking, Jetta
Out: Darcy Daniher (groin), Hayden Skipworth (hamstring), Michael Quinn, Jay Nash, Ricky Dyson

Collingwood
B: Shannon Cox, Simon Prestigiacomo, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke
C: Shane O’Bree, Alan Didak, Dale Thomas
HF: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Paul Medhurst
F: John Anthony, Leigh Brown, Anthony Rocca
Foll: Josh Fraser, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Leon Davis, Jaxson Barham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
Emg: Anthony Corrie, Brent Macaffer, Sharrod Wellingham

No Change
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Saints smash pitiful Power

April 24th 2009 13:37
ST KILDA has maintained its unbeaten start to the season with an emphatic 66-point win over Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

The Saints were never challenged in a one-sided contest, eventually prevailing 15.12 (102) to 5.6 (36).

The victory is St Kilda’s second at AAMI Stadium in three weeks and their first over the Power at the venue since 1997.

Ross Lyon’s men will remain at the top of the ladder at the end of round five thanks to their percentage which is well over 200.

The win was soured somewhat for the Saints with ruckman Steven King suffering a groin injury in the second quarter.

The koss was made worse for Port with defender Troy Chaplin reported for striking St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt and ruckman Dean Brogan for forceful front-on contact with Farren Ray.

The Badcoe Medal, which is awarded to the player that best exemplifies the Anzac spirit, was won by midfielder Lenny Hayes for his 32 possession game while Riewoldt led from the front with 23 disposals, 10 marks and four goals.

Stephen Milne chimed in with three majors while Sam Fisher generated plenty of run with 28 touches.

For Port, captain Domenic Cassisi, Steven Salopek and Travis Boak won plenty of the football while Kane Cornes kept in-form St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo quiet but failed to hurt him the other way.

The Power won their fair share of the football in the opening stanza but they were unable to find an avenue to goal due to St Kilda’s relentless pressure.

The Saints punished Port on the rebound, moving the football quickly from defence as they slammed on six straight goals for the term.

Milne and Riewoldt were particularly damaging - the pair booting two goals apiece for the quarter to help their side to a commanding 27-point lead at the first change.

Riewoldt kicked his third early in the second term after Troy Chaplin and Josh Carr brought each other to ground in a marking contest before further goals from Robert Eddy, Adam Schneider and Milne blew the margin out to 56 points at half-time.

The halftime scoreline of 1.3 (9) was the lowest in Port's history, beating 1.8 (14) against Fremantle in 2000.

Any hopes of a second half fight-back from Port was quickly quashed by the Saints who kicked two goals in the opening two minutes of the third term through Hayes and Luke Ball.

Port managed to stem the flow of goals for the remainder of the term but the damage had already been done with St Kilda going into the final change with a match-winning 65-point lead.

PORT ADELAIDE: 1.3, 1.3, 3,4, 5.6 (36)
ST KILDA: 6.0,10.5,13.9, 15.12 (102)
GOALS: PORT: Tredrea 2, Lade, Motlop, C.Cornes
ST KILDA: Riewoldt 4, Milne 3, Schneider 2, McQualter, Geary, Eddy, Hayes, Ball, Gwilt
BEST: PORT: K.Cornes, Krakouer, Boak, Salopek, Chaplin, Cassisi
ST KILDA: Hayes, Riewoldt, Milne, Goddard, Fisher, Gram, Ray, Geary, Gardiner
INJURIES: PORT: TBC
ST KILDA: TBC
REPORTS: Troy Chaplin reported in the second quarter by umpire Chris Donlon for high contact on Nick Riewoldt. Dean Brogan reported in the second quarter by umpire Michael Avon for forceful front-on conduct with Farren Ray by umpire Michael Avon.
CHANGES: Nil
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AFL Teams: Round Five

April 24th 2009 07:43
2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

ROUND FIVE (All times local)

Friday April 24
Port Adelaide v St Kilda at AAMI Stadium, 7.45pm

Saturday April 25
Essendon v Collingwood at the MCG, 2.20pm
Hawthorn v West Coast at Aurora Stadium, 5.20pm
North Melbourne v Richmond at Docklands, 7.20pm
Fremantle v Sydney Swans at Subiaco, 6.45pm

Sunday April 26
Geelong v Brisbane Lions at Skilled Stadium, 1.10pm
Western Bulldogs v Carlton at Docklands, 2.10pm
Melbourne v Adelaide at the MCG, 4.40pm

PORT ADELAIDE v ST KILDA
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Dom Cassisi
C: Travis Boak, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, Hamish Hartlett
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: David Rodan, Josh Carr, Tom Logan, Nick Lower
Emg: Marlon Motlop, Wade Thompson, Toby Thurstans

In: Cassisi, Lower
Out: Matt Thomas (suspended), Wade Thompson

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

In: Eddy
Out: Justin Koschitzke (hamstring)

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD
ESSENDON
B: Dustin Fletcher, Tayte Pears, Henry Slattery
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Adam McPhee, Heath Hocking
C: Mark McVeigh, Brent Stanton, Sam Lonergan
HF: Jason Winderlich, Scott Lucas, David Zaharakis
F: Patrick Ryder, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
I/C: Angus Monfries, Nathan Lovett-Murray, David Myers, Leroy Jetta
Emg: Ricky Dyson, Jay Nash, Bachar Houli

In: Lovett-Murray, Lonergan, Myers, Hocking, Jetta
Out: Darcy Daniher (groin), Hayden Skipworth (hamstring), Michael Quinn, Jay Nash, Ricky Dyson

COLLINGWOOD
B: Shannon Cox, Simon Prestigiacomo, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke
C: Shane O’Bree, Alan Didak, Dale Thomas
HF: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Paul Medhurst
F: John Anthony, Leigh Brown, Anthony Rocca
Foll: Josh Fraser, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Leon Davis, Jaxson Barham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
Emg: Anthony Corrie, Brent Macaffer, Sharrod Wellingham

No change

HAWTHORN v WEST COAST
HAWTHORN
B: Jarryd Morton, Thomas Murphy, Brendan Whitecross
HB: Clinton Young, Brent Renouf, Luke Hodge
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Cameron Stokes
F: Campbell Brown, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Travis Tuck
I/C: Robert Campbell, Beau Dowler, Stuart Dew, Garry Moss
Emg: Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn, Ryan Schoenmakers

In: Tuck
Out: Brent Guerra (hamstring)

WEST COAST
B: David Wirrpanda, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Adam Hunter, Adam Selwood
C: Matt Rosa, Matt Priddis, Brent Staker
HF: Sam Butler, Ashley Hansen, Andrew Embley
F: Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Tyson Stenglein
I/C: Mitch Brown, Brett Jones, Mark Nicoski, Will Schofield
Emg: Adam Cockie, Chad Fletcher, Josh Kennedy

In: Butler
Out: Chris Masten (corked thigh)

NORTH MELBOURNE v RICHMOND
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Josh Gibson, Scott Thompson, Daniel Pratt
HB: Levi Greenwood, Lachlan Hansen, Scott McMahon
C: Leigh Harding, Michael Firrito, Gavin Urquhart
HF: Ben Warren, Drew Petrie, Brent Harvey
F: Lindsay Thomas, Aaron Edwards, David Hale
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Jack Ziebell, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Ed Lower, Brady Rawlings, Sam Power, Adam Simpson
Emg: Josh Smith, Daniel Harris, Ben Ross

In: Greenwood, Edwards
Out: Josh Smith, Matt Campbell (hamstring)

New: Levi Greenwood (Port Adelaide Magpies)

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Alex Rance
HB: Jordan McMahon, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Matthew Richardson, Shane Tuck, Andrew Collins
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Joel Bowden
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Brett Deledio
Foll: Angus Graham, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Mark Coughlan, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Robin Nahas, Matt White
Emg: Shane Edwards, Jay Schulz, Will Thursfield

In: Coughlan, Pattison, Tambling, Oakley-Nicholls
Out: Nathan Brown (groin), Tom Hislop, Troy Simmonds, Daniel Connors

FREMANTLE v SYDNEY SWANS
FREMANTLE
B: Roger Hayden, Michael Johnson, Antoni Grover
HB: Nic Suban, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Byron Schammer, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Chris Tarrant, Rhys Palmer
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy
I/C: Ryan Murphy, Stephen Hill, Clayton Hinkley, Scott Thornton
Emg: Michael Walters, Zac Clarke, Matthew de Boer

In: Murphy, Hinkley, Thornton
Out: Daniel Gilmore, Kepler Bradley, Josh Head

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Heath Grundy, Kieren Jack
F: Paul Bevan, Jesse White, Luke Ablett
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Ed Barlow, Brett Meredith, Kristin Thornton, Amon Buchanan
Emg: Jarred Moore, Ryan Brabazon, Mike Pyke

In: Buchanan
Out: Jarred Moore

GEELONG v BRISBANE LIONS
GEELONG
B: Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Max Rooke
C: Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, David Wojcinski
HF: James Kelly, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Steve Johnson
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Shane Mumford, Travis Varcoe, Shannon Byrnes, David Johnson
Emg: Tom Lonergan, Nathan Djerrkura, Ryan Gamble,

In: Milburn, D. Johnson
Out: Cameron Ling (achilles), Tom Lonergan

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Jason Roe, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Jared Brennan, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Lachlan Henderson, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone, Jed Adcock
I/C: Bradd Dalziell, Tom Collier, Troy Selwood, James Polkinghorne
Emg: Albert Proud, Scott Harding, Pearce Hanley

In: Henderson, Polkinghorne, Collier
Out: Jamie Charman (knee), Tim Notting, Cheynee Stiller

WESTERN BULLDOGS v CARLTON
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dylan Addison, Brian Lake, Tom Williams
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Dale Morris, Ryan Hargrave
C: Josh Hill, Matthew Boyd, Daniel Cross
HF: Robert Murphy, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Jarrad Grant, Will Minson, Daniel Giansiracusa
Foll: Ben Hudson, Ryan Griffen, Shaun Higgins
I/C: Nathan Eagleton, Jarrod Harbrow, Liam Picken, Callan Ward
Emg: Andrejs Everitt,Guy O’Keefe, Stephen Tiller,

In: Grant, Murphy
Out: Jason Akermanis (suspended), Stephen Tiller

New: Jarrad Grant (Dandenong U18)

CARLTON
B: Bret Thornton, Michael Jamison, Andrew Carrazzo
HB: Chris Johnson, Jarrad Waite, Paul Bower
C: Nick Stevens, Marc Murphy, Heath Scotland
HF: Jordan Russell, Simon Wiggins, Kade Simpson
F: Cameron Cloke, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Bryce Gibbs
I/C: Dennis Armfield, Ryan Houlihan, Aaron Joseph, Setanta O’hAilpin,
Emg: Steven Browne, Richard Hadley, Joe Anderson

In: Carrazzo, Jamison, O’hAilpin, Scotland
Out: Shaun Grigg (ankle), Sam Jacobs (thigh), Mitch Robinson, Richard Hadley,

MELBOURNE v ADELAIDE
MELBOURNE
B: Neville Jetta, Matthew Warnock, Clint Bartram
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jared Rivers, Ricky Petterd, Brock McLean
HF: Cale Morton, Michael Newton, Nathan Jones
F: Brad Miller, Colin Sylvia, Matthew Bate
Foll: John Meesen, Cameron Bruce, James McDonald
I/C: Paul Johnson, Brent Moloney, Jamie Bennell, Lynden Dunn
Emg: Russell Robertson, Kyle Cheney, Addam Maric

In: McDonald
Out: Brad Green (jaw)

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andrew Otten
HB: Michael Doughty, Nathan Bock, Nathan van Berlo
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Simon Goodwin, David Mackay
HF: Richard Douglas, Taylor Walker, Andrew McLeod
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Jon Griffin, Tyson Edwards, Scott Thompson
I/C: Brent Reilly, Myke Cook, Scott Stevens, Jared Petrenko
Emg: Jarrhan Jacky, Robert Shirley, Brad Moran

In: Cook, Griffin, Stevens
Out: Ivan Maric, Brad Symes, Robert Shirley
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Wallace praises board

April 24th 2009 07:36
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace says he is 'very comfortable' with the support he is receiving from the club's board despite the fact his position has only been guaranteed until mid-season.

Wallace - who is in the fifth and final year of his contract - needs to get the Tigers into the finals if he is going to keep his job but he faces an uphill battle with his side losing their first four matches of the season.

The Tigers board met on Tuesday following the disastrous eight-point loss to Melbourne at the MCG and said no decision would be made on Wallace's future until the club's mid-season review.

Wallace said he had no problems with the decision and praised the board for their support.

"I'm very comfortable with my position. I couldn't be getting more support from the board and management," Wallace said.

"A couple of wins would obviously help, and I've been in the game long enough to know that can change at any point along the way and that's fine, but I think everyone around the footy club's been tremendously supportive.

"I've been told that I'm going on and I'm very, very comfortable with that."

Wallace also said the media scrutiny wasn't affecting the club as it prepares for Saturday night's vital clash against North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium

"The group's been pretty good – that's external and I know we all talk about it, and clearly it impacts everything you're doing in your life because people want to talk about it everywhere you go," he said.

"But I think when the boys are here and they're doing what they're paid to do, I don't think it's been much of an issue at all."

"The coaching staff, my assistant coaches and the players are getting on well and spending good time together just trying to get things right.

"I think internally things are actually better than they look externally."

Meanwhile, young gun Trent Cotchin and defender Andrew Raines will return in the VFL this weekend following injury.

Former West Coast captain Ben Cousins is likely to return within a fortnight from the hamstring injury he sustained in round while Wallace said he was hopeful that classy forward Nathan Brown would only miss two matches at the most with a groin injury.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Demons break membership record

April 24th 2009 07:17
MELBOURNE has broken its all-time membership record, reaching the tally of 29,706, which surpasses the previous record of 29,619 set last season.

The total is more than 4,000 up on the club's membership at the corresponding time last year and there are still more than 3,000 members from 2008 who have yet to re-sign.

Melbourne president Jim Stynes paid tribute to all those concerned with the club and said he was confident the Demons would pass the 30,000 mark.

"This is a great effort by everyone involved, not least the members themselves, who are the foundation of our future, and who are providing the momentum for our club," said Stynes.

"We are also very proud of and encouraged by the way in which everyone is working together for the common good, and our achievement in breaking the membership record is the perfect illustration of this."

"I am confident that, in the next week, we can surpass the 30,000 mark and start looking well beyond."

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


Didak in doubt

April 24th 2009 04:12
COLLINGWOOD forward Alan Didak is in doubt for Saturday's ANZAC Day clash against Essendon at the MCG.

Magpies defender Simon Prestigiacomo revealed that Didak - who trained away from the rest of the group at Gosch's Park on Friday - was still battling soreness after last week's match against Brisbane.

"He trained this morning and that's all we really know. He will be given up to the start of the game when we have to put the team sheets in. He didn't obviously train with the group, hopefully he's pulled up alright. He's Just got a bit of soreness through the legs," Prestigiacomo said.

In some good news for the Pies, Prestigiacomo said veteran Anthony Rocca and Paul Medhurst were certain to line up against the Bombers.

"Yeah (they'll definitely play). Medders had the knock last week and Anthony's been a bit sore, but they trained well on Wednesday and today and are 100 per cent to play," he said.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Round five preview: Port Adelaide v St Kilda

April 23rd 2009 17:41
VENUE and TIME: AAMI Stadium, Friday 24 April, 8.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 18, Port Adelaide 11, St Kilda 7

LAST TIME: St Kilda 14.17 (101) def Port Adelaide 14.9 (93), Round 18, 2008 at Etihad Stadium.

RECENT HISTORY: Port Adelaide has won eight of its past ten against St Kilda but the honours have been shared in the past four clashes between these two sides.

FORM: Port’s impressive 30-point win over reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG saw it move to fourth spot on the AFL ladder with a 3-1 win-loss record. St Kilda and Geelong are the only unbeaten teams after the first month of the home-and-away season with the Saints occupying top spot thanks to their percentage boosting 83-point win over Fremantle at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night.

MEDICAL ROOM: Port Adelaide is still without star midfielder Shaun Burgoyne who was a late withdrawal from last weekend’s game against the Hawks with knee soreness while forward Justin Westhoff is on the club’s long-term injury list with a broken foot. For the Saints, in-form big man Justin Koschitzke is expected to miss just the one week with a hamstring strain while veteran defender Max Hudghton will remain on the sidelines for another one to two weeks with a calf injury.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Kane Cornes vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo continued his brilliant start to the season with a game-high 31 disposals, two goals and four inside 50’s against the Dockers.

The 25-year-old is in career-best form and looms as the main man the Power must stop if they are going to secure the four premiership points.

Dal Santo is damaging with his ability to deliver the football cleanly inside 50 and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

If the Power are going to be any chance of containing St Kilda’s multi-pronged attack they must limit Dal Santo’s influence through the middle.

Cornes restricted Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell to just 16 possessions last weekend and will be given the task of tagging Dal Santo in what will be a pivotal contest in determining the outcome of this match.

If Cornes can do a similar job on Dal Santo and hurt the classy St Kilda midfielder going the other way the Power will win.

Zac Dawson vs. Warren Tredrea

Tredrea has been instrumental in Port’s past two wins over Melbourne and the Hawks, booting six goals in both matches.

Dawson has been solid down back since joining the Saints via the rookie draft after a brief stint with Hawthorn and will most likely be given first crack at Tredrea.

St Kilda has conceded the fewest points of any side in the competition due to their relentless pressure all over the ground.

If the Saints play with the same level of intensity they have shown in the first four rounds of the season and suffocate Port’s run then the likes of Tredrea will struggle to have an impact.

Troy Chaplin vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt played his best game of the season against the Dockers, helping himself to 17 possessions, nine marks and five goals.

Chaplin did a superb blanketing job on Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead last Saturday, restricting him to just seven possessions and no goals.

Expect Chaplin who has done the job on Riewoldt in the past to be given the task of matching up on the Saints skipper again on Friday night.

The Saints have been able to kick some big scores this season due to their willingness to move the football quickly and kick it long into the forward line.

It is vital for Port that they apply immense pressure all over the ground and deny St Kilda the time and space to move the football quickly through the middle of the ground otherwise the potent Saints forward line led by Riewoldt will wreak havoc.

Clinton Jones vs. Chad Cornes

Cornes appears to be back to his best after being restricted to just 13 games last season due to injury.

The dual All-Australian has racked up 60 possessions, 23 marks and booted two goals in his past two matches.

In the win over the Hawks the 29-year-old had three goal assists and pumped the football inside 50 five times.

The Saints will be keen to shut-down the drive he provides through the middle and will most likely give Jones - who has been given some big jobs on some of the competition’s elite players so far this season - the task of running with Cornes.

Expect Jones who is ranked seventh in the AFL for tackles per game to not give Cornes any time or space all night.

VERDICT: St Kilda has impressed so far this season but Friday night will be a genuine test of their top-four credentials. Ross Lyon’s men will take some confidence from their win over the Crows at AAMI Stadium but they haven’t defeated Port at the venue since 1997. Port will miss the presence of Shaun Burgoyne as he would have helped overcome St Kilda’s zone with his ability to break the lines but the Power still have the likes of Danyle Pearce, David Rodan and Nathan Krakouer who are capable of breaking the game open with their run and carry. Expect the Power to maintain their dominance over the Saints in South Australia on Friday night with their pacy runners set to be the difference in what shapes as being a hard-fought contest. Power by 15 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v ST KILDA
PORT ADELAIDE

B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Dom Cassisi
C: Travis Boak, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, Hamish Hartlett
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: David Rodan, Josh Carr, Tom Logan, Nick Lower
Emg: Marlon Motlop, Wade Thompson, Toby Thurstans

In: Cassisi, Lower
Out: Matt Thomas (suspension), Wade Thompson

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

In: Eddy
Out: Justin Koschitzke (hamstring)


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Lions promote rookie

April 23rd 2009 07:23
BRISBANE has promoted Irish rookie Pearce Hanley to the club's senior list in place of West Australian draftee Kieran King.

King, who was selected with pick 81 in last year's national draft, has been placed on the long-term injury list because of an ankle injury that is expected to keep him on the sidelines for 10 to 12 weeks.

Hanley - who hails from Ballaghadereen in Ireland's County Mayo - played two senior matches last season after making his AFL debut in round 21 against Carlton at the Gabba.

The 20-year-old former Gaelic player and 2006 Ron Barassi Medallist has been a member of the Lions' rookie list since arriving from Ireland at the end of 2007.

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Walker a chance to play again in '09

April 23rd 2009 05:43
CARLTON utility Andrew Walker is still a chance to play this season according to coach Brett Ratten.

Walker undewent surgery two weeks ago to tighten his problematic right shoulder which he injured during the pre-season and reinjured in a VFL practice match in early April.

The club's official injury list has Walker out 'indefinitely' but Ratten put a clear time frame on the 22-year-old's return.

"It's probably around 12 weeks, so in the latter part of the season he'll be back," Ratten said.

"It's not closed but I suppose rehab will play a big part in that if it goes to plan.

"Hopefully he can get back as he did last year, that energy bubble we needed with about seven weeks to go."

"He gave to group a good vibe and hopefully he can do that again."

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Pies escape sanction

April 23rd 2009 00:43
THE AFL won't be taking further action against Collingwood after reviewing a number of incidents arising from last Friday night's match against Brisbane at the Gabba.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson met with Magpies coach Mick Malthouse, president Eddie McGuire and senior club officials on Wednesday and reviewed a number of issues including the comments made by various Collingwood officials over the weekend regarding contact between umpire Scott McLaren and midfielder Shane O'Bree.

The Pies weren't sanctioned over the matter but the league did express its concerns to the club about their behaviour.

"The AFL remains of the view that all players and senior club officials have a duty towards how their behaviour is seen towards umpires, as recruitment and retention of umpires throughout Australia is a major ongoing issue for the game," Anderson said.

Anderson also said the AFL was satisfied with the explanation offered by Malthouse regarding his behaviour at the quarter-time break following a controversial 50 metre penalty given against O'Bree.

"Michael informed us he was making his way down from the coaches box just before the siren rang and did not see the 50 metre penalty that was paid against Shane O'Bree for going over the mark," Anderson said.

"He was not aware that O'Bree had been told the reason for the 50-metre penalty by the umpire at least twice."

"At the break, Michael asked his players, including O'Bree, what had occurred, but was told they did not know. Malthouse explained that he expressed frustration at this time, but that this was not deliberately directed at the umpires."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Pav trade talk 'bewildering', says Harvey

April 22nd 2009 07:11
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey says he's 'bewildered' by media suggestions that Dockers captain Matthew Pavlich should be traded at the end of the season.

Football commentator Garry Lyon wrote in The West Australian that it was time for Pavlich and the Dockers to part ways as Pavlich deserved the opportunity to play in a side that was challenging for a premiership.

But Harvey said the winless Dockers were giving no consideration to trading the six-time All-Australian.

Harvey stressed the importance of Pavlich to Fremantle as a leader and a player as the club continues to rebuild.

"When you look at Matthew Pavlich, he will go down as one of the greatest players Fremantle's ever had," Harvey said.

"He's captain of the football club. So for us to be talking about trading him [is] bewildering."

Harvey also said people in the media should be more measured in what they say about his 'vulnerable' club.

"We're in a vulnerable situation because we haven't won a game (and) I think it's too easy for guys in really profiled positions in the media to dissect the club and pull the club apart," he said.

"I think they should be a lot more measured with what they say about a young club that's trying to do its best."



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Pies clear air over umpires: McGuire

April 22nd 2009 05:31
COLLINGWOOD president Eddie McGuire believes the club was able to clear the air with the AFL over its concerns relating to umpires.

McGuire said the Magpies had opened up a 'communication pathway' with the league after Wednesday's special summit at AFL house.

"The AFL had some issues with the Collingwood Football Club and the Collingwood Football Club had some issues with the football operations department of the AFL," McGuire said.

"We spoke about all those different issues and at the end of it I think we cleared a lot of air."

"I know that we're going to work constructively together ... and we've opened up a communication pathway so that thing's don't fester and boil up."

The Pies had been asked for a 'please explain' by the league for comments made about umpire Scott McLaren's contact with midfielder Shane O'Bree and for coach Mick Malthouse's reaction to a 50m penalty during the 17-point win over Brisbane at the Gabba last Friday night.

McGuire said the two parties understand each other better now.

"Things were put on the table, we looked at some video tape, we looked at some statistics, we took on board some of the critiques that the AFL had of our behaviour and the way we go about things and we've agreed we'll all go forward together," he said.

"We want to support the umpires, we've not criticised the umpires at Collingwood, we've been critical sometimes of the interpretations that they are forced to endure."

It remains unclear whether Malthouse or the Magpies have been fined as a result of today's meeting with AFL officials.
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Cooney in some doubt

April 22nd 2009 03:05
WESTERN BULLDOGS star Adam Cooney is only a 50/50 chance to play against Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Sunday according to coach Rodney Eade.

The Bulldogs had initially expected Cooney to miss only one match after undergoing minor knee surgery last week but Eade said the 2008 Brownlow medallist was in some doubt after being confined to light running drills at training on Wednesday.

"He was a bit slow 'til yesterday but he's made some vast improvement today in 24 hours," said Eade.

"He's probably 50/50 at this stage so hopefully if he can increase the improvement at the rate that he has over the last 24 hours, he'll be a good chance."

In some good news for the Dogs, classy forward Robert Murphy is a certainty to play his first game for the season after impressing for Williamstown in the VFL last weekend.

Murphy's start to the season was delayed due to a slower than expected recovery from off-season knee surgery.

Meanwhile, Eade said he was honoured to be joining Jock McHale, Kevin Sheedy, Ron Barassi, Leigh Matthews and Robert Walls as the only men to play and coach 250 AFL/VFL matches.

"To be in that exalted company is humbling and a big honour for a little boy from Tassie," Eade said.

"I've still got a great passion for the game and the game's in great health at the moment and it's a terrific product."

"I really enjoy coming to work and being involved with young players, you men and trying to help them on their path - it's certainly a great job."

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Wallace given reprieve

April 22nd 2009 02:24
TERRY Wallace has been guaranteed his job as Richmond coach until at the least the middle of the year.

The Tigers board met on Tuesday night and reaffirmed its commitment to reviewing Wallace's performance mid-season.

Richmond president Gary March said last night the club would not bow to 'outside pressures' after the Tigers' winless start to the season.

"We will not buckle to outside pressures in regards to the process which we put in last July,'' March said.

"The coaching review was to be made mid-season and a decision will be made as to what direction the club takes."

"The current situation is nothing has changed."

"Terry is coaching. He is contracted to coach."

"And the review is not just the coaching, it's the whole footy department. It's a work in progress.''

Wallace needs to get the Tigers to the finals for the first time in his five-year reign if he is going to keep his job but finals appear to be a remote possibility with no side making the top eight after starting the season with four consecutive losses.



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


Hawks crack 50,000

April 22nd 2009 02:05
HAWTHORN has become the first Victorian-based AFL club to sign 50,000 members in a season.

The club's new mark smashes last year's record membership of 41,686.

A total of 14,700 2009 members are either first-timers or have rejoined the club having not been a member in 2008.

The AFL’s all-time membership record 50,976 was set by Adelaide in 2007.

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Black free to play, Thomas out for one

April 21st 2009 10:34
BRISBANE midfielder Simon Black is free to play in Sunday's clash against Geelong at Skilled Stadium after escaping suspension for making reckless contact with an umpire.

Black was sent directly to the tribunal for making contact with field umpire Scott McLaren in the last quarter of the Lions' 17-point loss to Collingwood at the Gabba on Friday night.

The 2002 Brownlow medallist pleaded guilty and was hit with a reprimand and a $1950 fine.

The news wasn't as good for Port Adelaide's Matt Thomas who will miss Friday night's match against St Kilda at AAMI Stadium after being found guilty of making reckless contact with field umpire Jason Armstrong in the first quarter of the Power's 30-point win over reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG last Saturday.

Thomas lined up directly behind Armstrong when he bounced the ball in the centre circle and when the umpire backed away he was upended by Thomas.

Port tried to downgrade the charge from reckless to negligent which would have meant a fine only, but the tribunal ruled against that and hit him with a one-match suspension and a $2600 fine

His 20 per cent loading from a suspension last season meant he was still facing a one-match ban even if he pleaded guilty.

Meanwhile, St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna was cleared of striking after he successfully argued that the strike against Fremantle’s Paul Hasleby did not have enough impact to be deemed a strike.

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Freo dismisses Ku Klux Klan claims

April 21st 2009 08:03
FREMANTLE has dismissed claims two of its players dressed up in Ku Klux Klan costumes.

The controversy started when list development manager Steve Malaxos told Perth radio station SportsFM last Saturday that players dressed in Ku Klux Klan outfits had raided teammates houses.

"There's a reasonable amount of pranks that are going on all time time," Malaxos said.

"Sometimes they raid each other's houses in, like, sort of Ku Klux Klan outfits and that as well, that's one of the pranks."

Dockers chief executive Steve Rosich told the media on Tuesday afternoon that Malaxos had simply gotten his description of the costumes wrong.

Young players Clayton Hinkley and Andrew Foster were involved in the prank, in which they dressed up in white sheets, white face masks and black sunglasses and egged and glad-wrapped four teammates cars.

Rosich said Hinkley and Foster would not be sanctioned for the prank.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Achilles injury sidelines Ling

April 21st 2009 08:03
GEELONG has suffered an injury blow with tagger Cameron Ling ruled out of at least the next two matches with an Achilles injury.

Cats coach Mark Thompson said Ling sustained the injury during the 48-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last Saturday night.

"He has got a little tear in his Achilles and should be out for a couple of weeks, which is a bit of a blow," Thompson said.

Thompson also said experienced defender Darren Milburn will return for Sunday's clash against Brisbane at Skilled Stadium.

"Darren will play, it was only minor back soreness (that kept him out against Adelaide last week) and he could have played but we didn't want to take the risk with him because he was a bit sore," he said.

The return of Milburn is a major boost for the Cats given the absence of skipper Tom Harley and the loss of fellow defenders Matthew Egan and Josh Hunt for the remainder of the season.

Thompson said Harley - who is yet to play in 2009 as he recovers from off-season knee surgery - will miss at least another week but is a chance to return in round six.

But number one ruckman Brad Ottens is expected to be sidelined for at least another month with the knee injury he sustained in the win over Richmond in round two.

"He hasn't got rid of that soreness yet and with big guys early in the year, it would be foolish to rush him back (too soon)," Thompson said.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Richardson slams media

April 21st 2009 08:01
THE criticism of embattled Richmond coach Terry Wallace has gone too far according to Tigers veteran Matthew Richardson.

Wallace needs to get the Tigers into the finals for the first time in his five-year reign if he is going to keep his job but finals appear to be a remote possibility with no team making the top eight after losing its first four matches.

Following the disastrous loss to Melbourne last Sunday there has been much speculation about Wallace's future but Richardson said the media coverage was way over the top.

"The media have got a job to do, and that's what they're doing but I do think it has been a little bit over-the-top this week," Richardson said.

"I thought I was reading News of the World this morning – the Herald Sun or Mad Magazine with the comic strip that they're running these days, but we can't let that distract us."

"What we've got to worry about is getting out on the training track here today and working on the things that are letting us down in the games."

Richardson also said he expected Wallace to see out the season.

"As far as I know, Terry is coaching the team for the rest of the year," he said.

"All you guys can speculate all you like but internally we're sticking strong (and) we're right behind Terry."

"I'm pretty sure the president and the board have shown their support to him, and you can keep speculating all day long, but that's not for us to do."

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


Pratt gravely ill

April 21st 2009 06:59
CARLTON has paid tribute to former president Richard Pratt who's gravely ill with prostate cancer.

The 74-year-old has returned home to be closer to his family after being released from hospital.

The chairman of the Visy group of companies was visited on Tuesday morning by Carlton chief executive Greg Swann and president Stephen Kernahan who later hosted a press conference attended by coach Brett Ratten and skipper Chris Judd.

Kernahan said Pratt was in good spirits.

"The first thing he said was 'what happened last week and what's wrong with our kicking?' so that's where Dick's at," Kernahan said.

Kernahan also said Pratt had made an enormous contribution to the club.

"February 9, 2007 was a very significant day in the history of the Carlton football club," he said.

"Richard Pratt was appointed president and I think this club looks back at that as a turning point in our dark days from 2001 to 2007."

"He's been sensational for our footy club, he's been great for the players ... and to the staff, and especially to [chief executive] Greg Swann and myself."

A sombre Ratten said Pratt would provide the Blues with extra motivation to win their clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

"This does give us more motivation to make sure that we get a win on the board," Ratten said.

"It would be great to give him a win this weekend."

Judd said Pratt had a significant impact on him during the brief time they had known each other.

"He's full of wisdom and we were very lucky to go (in the pre-season) to Malaysia with him and we had a fair bit of time just to converse with him and pick his brains about life and business," Judd said.

"It's been influential on my thinking and you just can't go past the huge influence he's had on this footy club."

"I struggle to think of anyone who's had a bigger impact on a footy club since I've been playing AFL."

Pratt stepped down as Carlton president after being charged with giving false or misleading evidence to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission in 2005 over allegations of price fixing in the packaging industry.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Stevens in doubt

April 21st 2009 05:01
ADELAIDE utility Scott Stevens is in some doubt for Sunday's clash against Melbourne at the MCG after missing training on Tuesday.

Stevens suffered concussion after clashing with Fremantle's Luke McPharlin in round three which forced him to miss the match against Geelong at AAMI Stadium last Saturday night.

The lingering effects of that blow are still bothering him and he'll have to prove his fitness when the Crows train on Thursday.

Meanwhile, midfielder Chris Knights (fractured eye socket) is still a couple of weeks away from being considered for selection while forward Trent Hentschel will miss at least another fortnight with a knee injury.

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


Kosi may miss just one week

April 21st 2009 04:19
ST KILDA coach Ross Lyon is hopeful Justin Koschitzke will only miss Friday night's clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium with a hamstring injury.

Koschitzke suffered the injury in last Saturday night's 83-point win over Fremantle at Etihad Stadium and had a scan on Monday.

"It's certainly on the lower end and we're hopeful of a week, at worst two," Lyon said.

"It's a challenge for the group to play good football without Justin."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Ku Klux Klan controversy at Freo

April 21st 2009 04:11
FREMANTLE has become embroiled in a fresh controversy after list development manager Steve Malaxos revealed on Perth radio that Dockers players dressed in Ku Klux Klan gear and raided each other's houses.

Malaxos' comments relating to the American white supremacist organisation comes just a fortnight after North Melbourne's infamous 'chicken-gate' video affair.

Speaking on SportFM in an exclusive interview for the 'Talking Dockers' radio program last Saturday, Malaxos was asked about young Fremantle players playing pranks on the coaching staff and their teammates.

Malaxos confirmed several light-hearted pranks had occurred before adding that Fremantle players sometimes dressed in Ku Klux Klan-style clothes as they 'raided' teammates' houses.

The 'Talking Dockers' podcast is available on the SportFM website but the comment regarding the KKK has been edited out and is not included in the audio.

The issue is an unwanted distraction for the Dockers who are winless after four rounds.

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


Akermanis accepts

April 21st 2009 03:53
WESTERN BULLDOGS veteran Jason Akermanis will miss Sunday's clash against Carlton at Etihad Stadium after accepting a one-match ban for striking West Coast's Mark Nicoski in the 33-point loss to the Eagles at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The offence normally only draws a reprimand but because of his past record Akermanis' original penalty of 80 points rose to 150.31 points which means that even if he pleads guilty and receives the 25 percent discount he was still looking at a total of 112.73 points, which equates to a one-game suspension.

Meanwhile, St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna is one of three players scheduled to face the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night after electing to challenge a level two charge of striking Fremantle's Paul Hasleby.

Because of his five-year good record, a reprimand is the worst case scenario for Montagna.

Brisbane star Simon Black and Port Adelaide youngster Matt Thomas are the others set to appear both on umpire contact charges that were referred directly to the tribunal.

Thomas has been charged with recklessly making contact with umpire Jason Armstrong during the first quarter of Saturday's win over reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG, while Black is alleged to have made contact with umpire Scott McLaren at the Gabba on Friday night.

In other tribunal news, Fremantle's Byron Schammer and West Coast's Will Schofield have accepted reprimands for making forceful contact and tripping respectively.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Barham earns nomination

April 21st 2009 03:36
COLLINGWOOD midfielder Jaxson Barham has earned the round four NAB Rising Star nomination for his performance in his side's 17-point win over Brisbane at the Gabba on Friday night.

Barham gathered 28 disposals and laid a game-high nine tackles in his AFL debut against the Lions.

The son of former Collingwood winger Ricky Barham was recruited to Magpies from the Geelong Falcons under the father-son rule with pick 61 in the 2007 NAB AFL Draft.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Akermanis hit with one-match ban

April 20th 2009 08:46
WESTERN BULLDOGS veteran Jason Akermanis has been hit with a one-match ban by the AFL match review panel for tripping West Coast's Mark Nicoski in Sunday's 33-point loss to the Eagles at Subiaco Oval.

The offence normally only draws a reprimand but becaise of his past record Akermanis' original penalty of 80 points rose to 150.31 points which means that even if he pleads guilty and receives the 25 percent discount he is still looking at a total of 112.73 points, which equates to a one-game suspension.

Meanwhile, Brisbane star Simon Black and Port Adelaide's Matt Thomas will face the tribunal on Tuesday night after being charged with recklessly making contact to a field umpire.

The panel also looked at contact between Collingwood's Shane O'Bree and umpire Scott McLaren and Melbourne's Nathan Jones and umpire Stuart Wenn but chose to take no action.

It was the view of the panel that both clashes were accidental.

In other tribunal news, Fremantle's Bryon Schammer and St Kilda midfielder Leigh Montagna can both accept reprimands after being booked for making forceful contact from front-on and striking respectively while West Coast youngster Will Schofield can also accept a reprimand after being booked for tripping.

The match-day report against Melbourne defender Matthew Warnock for striking Richmond's Tom Hislop was thrown out with the panel ruling Warnock's action as a pushing motion with an open hand and the high contact that was made was below the force required to constitute a reportable offence.

The panel also looked at contact between Essendon ruckman and North Melbourne veteran Adam Simpson but ruled contact was made to the body and was not a reportable offence as they did in a similar clash between Bulldogs' tagger Liam Picken and West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Charman out for up to six weeks

April 20th 2009 08:32
THE Brisbane Lions' ruck stocks have taken a major hit with ruckman Jamie Charman ruled out for four to six weeks with an ankle injury.

The 26-year-old injured his ankle during Friday night's 17-point loss to Collingwood at the Gabba.

Charman's injury comes on the back of a knee injury sustained by promising ruckman Matthew Leuenberger last week that will keep the youngster sidelined for up to three months.

Brisbane coach Michael Voss said he may be forced to promote the rookie-listed Daniel Murray.

"We've got young Bart McCulloch, he hasn't started playing, Daniel Murray is on our rookie list, he played on the weekend for the first time," Voss said.

"Whether or not he makes the next transition, we've now got two spots on our list available, Kieran King has gone on the long term injury list, along with Matthew Leuenberger."

"It's one of those ones where as a match committee you've got to go over the pros and cons of whether you bring someone in so early."

"Whether he's ready, does that help or hinder his development?"

The injury crisis means Mitch Clark will need to step up and be the club's number one ruckman and Voss is confident the 21-year-old can fill the void.

"Mitch has been good the last few weeks, his energy and aggression and what he brought to the contest has been very good."

"Mitch will have to come in and shoulder that responsibility, but that's something I'd imagine he'll look forward to."

Meanwhile, Voss said Jed Adcock - who also injured his ankle in the loss to the Magpies - is a chance to play against Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Sunday.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Pies questioned

April 20th 2009 05:00
AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson confirmed on Monday Collingwood coach Mick Malthouse would be asked to justify why he should not be sanctioned for his verbal tirade towards the umpires at quarter-time of last Friday night's clash with Brisbane at the Gabba.

Malthouse was captured by cameras staring at the umpires and delivering a spray just moments after Shane O'Bree gave away a 50m penalty on the quarter-time siren.

Anderson said no action would be taken against Scott McLaren or O'Bree over an incident during the third quarter.

The league said any contact between McLaren and O'Bree was purely incidental.

The AFL will also investigate comments made by president Eddie McGuire on 3AW on Monday morning.

"We believe at Collingwood there's never been a situation at the moment where there's been more disjointedness between the AFL, and the umpires and the clubs as there is at the moment," McGuire said.

McGuire said the league needed to investigate why so many players are making contact with umpires.

"How many umpires do we have these days? We have three boundaries, three field, two goal umpires at any one stage, there's going to be contact," he said.

"And we're seeing more of it. What we think is maybe we need to have a look at why there's more contact."

"And off the top of my head we think the bounce is one of the main reasons."

Anderson said the AFL is concerned at the negative comments its umpires have received recently.

"We're concerned because to be able to recruit the best umpires to our game we have to create an environment where there isn't a level of disrespect, abuse, undermining; and that's really at the heart of the rules to protect umpires," he said.

The AFL and Collingwood will meet on Wednesday to sort out their differences.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Wallace safe for now

April 20th 2009 03:43
RICHMOND president Gary March says no decision will be made on the future of coach Terry Wallace before the club's mid-season review.

Speaking on Melbourne radio station SEN, March said Wallace's position was safe for now despite the Tigers' 0-4 start to the season.

"He is contracted through until the end of the 2009 season and we said last year when we started making changes to our footy department that we would do a review (of the coaching position) by mid-season and that is still on-going and nothing has really changed," March said .

March also revealed the club had a 'a contingency plan' in place should Wallace decide to quite as coach but ruled out former Essendon coach Kevin Sheedy taking over should Wallace decide to walk away.

"As a club you have got an obligation to have contingency plans in place and we have thought through those things and we have got some plans in place," he said.

"Kevin is not part of our contingency plan and never has been."

“Kevin came back to the football club and he made it clear to me he didn’t want to be involved in football and I made it clear to Kevin that we didn’t have a role for him in football, so that’s never been a part of the plan.”

March also defended his controversial decision to miss Sunday's critical game against Melbourne at the MCG.

“I think I’ve missed four games in five years,” he said.

“I went to the wedding of a guy I’ve known for 30 years. He’s worked for me since I started my business 15 years [ago].

“There’s some things in life that you actually have to put ahead of football, it’s a game … had we been 3-0 going into this game no-one would have said anything.”

The Tigers' board will meet on Tuesday night but March said there was nothing sinister in the meeting.

"That is our regular board meeting - we meet the third Tuesday of every month so it's not a specially called board meeting - it's our normal board meeting," he said.

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


Turnovers hurt us, says Eade

April 20th 2009 03:09
WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade has refused to blame Perth’s warm weather for his side’s shock 33-point loss to West Coast on Sunday.

Eade said the 30-degree heat was no excuse for the Bulldogs uncharactersitically sloppy performance.

“There’s absolutely no excuse, (the weather) was the same for both sides,” Eade said.

“Both sides were fatigued; I just think they coped with it better than we did.

Eade praised the Eagles and said their pressure forced his side into several turnovers.

"Full credit to the Eagles, they played very well and obviously deserved to win," he said.

"Just the number of turnovers (we had) at times, even some without pressure and late in quarters."

"They scored eight to half-time and eight of them were from turnovers, so they obviously capitalised."

"(And), late in the first quarter, they scored three goals in three minutes, it's probably about the difference in the end."

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


Worsfold wants consistency

April 20th 2009 02:50
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold has challenged his players to consistently play with the same level of intensity they showed in the 33-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval on Sunday

Worsfold laid down the law following the 97-point loss to St Kilda, saying career's were on the line if he didn't see a more committed effort and his players responded in the best possible fashion.

The Eagles stifled the Bulldogs' running game with their immense pressure and won more of the contested football.

Worsfold said the challenge for his side - who demolished Port Adelaide by 50 points prior to the demoralising loss to the Saints would be to maintain the same intensity week-in-week-out, starting with Saturday's clash against reigning premiers Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium.

"It was a pretty committed effort to take on a very good side and beat them," Worsfold said.

"(It's been a) bit of a rollercoaster ride, the last three weeks but we've learned a lot and we need to keep putting all that to good use."

"All the players were clear on where they let themselves down individually and how the team as a group didn't function well last week."

"It didn't need to be pointed out to them because they had reflected well on it individually."

"(So) every thing compared to last week was a bit better and consistency of effort now is what we have to show we can do."


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Players still behind Wallace: Newman

April 20th 2009 02:21
RICHMOND captain Chris Newman says the players are still behind under siege coach Terry Wallace.

The Tigers are winless after the first four rounds of the home-and-away season in a year in which Wallace needs to get the club to the finals for the first time in his five-year reign if he is going to keep his job.

Newman admitted on Sunday night the disastrous eight-point loss to Melbourne was another dark day for the club but said the players still wanted Wallace as coach.

"We have been through some dark times, we haven't had a lot of success around the club and we have been in this position before but all we can do now is fight out of it and concentrate on next week," he said.

"Of course we are (behind him), he is our coach."

"He wanted us to come out here and put in a four-quarter effort and get the result for him and it's really gut-wrenching not to be able to do that."

Newman said the players deserved as much blame as Wallace for the club's poor start to the season.

"They always point the finger at the coach and I think that's unfair," Newman said.

"It's the players as well and I am captain of the club and it starts with me."

"I put my hand up and say it's not good enough and the players are certainly taking responsibility."

"Everyone is behind him (Wallace), I'm behind him and he doesn't deserve that (performance) and neither do the supporters."

"We have been playing inconsistent football and our last-ditch effort in the last quarter wasn't good enough but if we can do it in the last quarter then why can't we do it in the first."

Newman also said he believed the season was still retrievable.

"It's gut-wrenching, you always want to win and we are zip and four at the moment," he said.

"We know there are a lot of disappointed people out there and we feel the pressure and we understand our fans are disappointed but all we can do is stick together and fight our way out of it."

Meanwhile Wallace - who willl meet with president Gary March and general manager of football operations Craig Cameron later today - said on Sunday night he would not quit as coach.

"I wouldn't expect my players to do that (quit) and I would be a hypocrite if I turned around and did that because it's all too hard," he said.

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


Green to miss at least six weeks

April 19th 2009 11:05
MELBOURNE has suffered a major blow with utility Brad Green ruled out for six to eight weeks with a broken jaw.

Green sustained the injury in a clash with Richmond youngster Alex Rance in the first quarter of the Demons' eight-point win over over the Tigers at the MCG on Sunday

He left the field immediately and was taken to Epworth Hospital.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey confirmed Green would undergo surgery tonight and said the loss of the 28-year-old would hurt his side.

"It's really disappointing, because he's an utter professional and a very, very important player in our leadership group," Bailey said.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Melbourne Demons
   


Wallace to meet with March and Cameron

April 19th 2009 10:57
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace will meet with president Gary March and general manager of football operations Craig Cameron on Monday following the Tigers' eight-point loss to Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.

In a year in which Wallace needs to lead the club to the finals for the first time in his five-year reign, the Tigers have lost their first four games of the season.

When asked at his post-match media conference if he expected his position to come under scrutiny, a tired and drawn Wallace said : "That would be a slight understatement, wouldn't it."

"But it's for you (the media) to speculate on - not me."

Cameron refused to comment on the coach's future and said he was pretty confident Wallace would coach the side against North Melbourne.

"We are not going to speculate on Terry - it's not fair on him or his family and it’s not fair on the football club and we are just not going to do it," Cameron said.

Cameron also dismissed suggestions that Wallace had lost the support of the players.

"I think the second half of the game today showed that the players still play for him," he said.

"They came from six goals down just after half-time, and outscored the opposition in the second half."

"If they didn't have the confidence in him, the game could have completely dropped away."

"What we need to do is to try and get some confidence back and win some games of football."




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


Eagles upset Dogs

April 19th 2009 10:24
WEST COAST has ended the Western Bulldogs unbeaten start to the season with a 33-point win in hot conditions at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Eagles coach John Worsfold laid down the law following the 97-point loss to St Kilda and his charges responded, getting the early jump on the Bulldogs before surviving several challenges from Rodney Eade’s men to record an impressive 17.14 (116) to 12.11 (83) victory.

Daniel Kerr overcame a sluggish start to finish the match with a team-high 29 possessions - 13 of which came in the third term.

He received good support from Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Adam Selwood and Brent Staker who won plenty of the football while Dean Cox was influential with 25 possessions and 31 hit-outs.

Will Schofield restricted Bulldogs playmaker Lindsay Gilbee to just 13 disposals by three-quarter time while David Wirrpanda was busy in defence with 28 quality touches, 15 marks and one goal.

The Eagles had 11 individual goal kickers for the match - Adam Hunter and Quinten Lynch the most effective with three apiece while Ben McKinley played his best game for the season, finishing the match with 16 touches, seven marks and two goals.

For the Bulldogs, Matthew Boyd (30 possessions) tried hard all day while Shaun Higgins showed his class with 21 disposals and four goals.

The Dogs led by five points midway through the first term before the Eagles were rewarded for their willingness to play on at all costs and use the corridor as they slammed on five unanswered goals either side of quarter-time to skip out to a 26-point lead at the one-minute mark of the second quarter.

West Coast looked set to run away with the contest but the Dogs stemmed the flow and hit back with two of the last three goals of the first half to trail by just 19 points at half time.

With Kerr exerting his influence in the midfield, the Eagles were able to break the game open with goals from Embley, Hunter and Lynch blowing the margin out to 40 points.

Josh Hill gave the Bulldogs a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, kicking truly after being awarded a controversial free kick in a marking contest with West Coast skipper Darren Glass.

Trailing by 34 points, the Dogs needed to get off to a fast start in the final stanza but it was the Eagles that got the first major of the last term with Matt Rosa kicking truly on the run to give his side a seemingly unassailable lead.

But the Bulldogs lifted themselves off the canvas and replied with three straight goals to close to within 22 points at the 18-minute mark.

The Dogs threatened to run over the top of a tiring West Coast side but the Eagles held their nerve and capped off the win with late goals from Wirrpanda and Staker.

WEST COAST: 6.4, 8.7, 14.11, 17.14 (116)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.2, 5.6, 9.7, 12.11 (83)
GOALS: West Coast: Hunter 3, Lynch 3, Le Cras 2, McKinley 2, Kerr, Selwood, Hansen, Embley, Rosa, Wirrpanda, Staker
Western Bulldogs: Higgins 4, Boyd 2, Griffen, Johnson, Hill, Gilbee, Lake, Ward
BEST: West Coast: Cox, Selwood, Kerr, Schofield, Wirrpanda, Embley, Staker, Priddis
Western Bulldogs: Higgins, Akermanis, Boyd, Griffen, Picken
INJURIES: West Coast: nil
Western Bulldogs: nil
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Demons get first win

April 19th 2009 07:34
MELBOURNE has recorded its first win of the season, downing Richmond by eight points at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Demons broke the game open in the second term and survived a last-quarter fight-back from the Tigers to prevail 14. 16 (100) to 13.14 (92).

Some of the gloss was taken off the win for Melbourne with Brad Green going off late in the first quarter with a broken jaw.

The loss sees Richmond slump to an 0-4 win-loss record and heaps even more pressure on coach Terry Wallace who needs to get the club to the finals for the first time in his five-year reign if he is going to keep his job.

The Tigers - rated as a potential top eight side at the start of the season - continually butchered the football in a performance that was devoid of passion.

Aaron Davey continued his brilliant form with 25 disposals and one goal while Brock McLean and Cameron Bruce also won plenty of the football.

Brad Miller was influential with three first-half goals while Colin Sylvia and Michael Newton chimed in with two apiece.

For the Tigers, Joel Bowden racked up a game-high 44 possessions and pulled down 13 marks as a loose man in defence.

Matthew Richardson tried hard all afternoon but failed to make the most of his chances in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.5 while Nathan Foley was a busy contributor in the middle with 32 touches.

Richmond kicked the first two goals of the match but the rest of the opening term belonged to the Demons.

They had eight scoring shots for the quarter but didn’t apply any scoreboard pressure - hitting the post four times as they took just a three-point lead into the first change.

Melbourne’s willingness to use the corridor paid handsome dividends in the second term as they slammed on eight goals to three to go into half-time with a commanding 31-point lead.

The margin blew out to more than six goals before the Tigers lifted their rating midway through the third quarter.

Richardson kicked two goals for the term but his efforts were matched by Newton as the Demons went into the final change with a 28-point advantage.

Richmond dominated the final term, booting four goals to one but it was too little too late.

RICHMOND: 2.3, 5.6, 9.7, 13.14 (92)
MELBOURNE: 2.6, 10.7, 13.11, 14.16 (100)
GOALS: Richmond: Richardson 4, Brown 2, Collins 2, Morton, Nahas, Moore, Deledio, McGuane
Melbourne: Miller 3, Sylvia 2, Newton 2, Petterd 2, Bate, Dunn, Green, Davey, Jetta
BEST: Richmond: Bowden, Richardson, Foley, Collins, Rance
Melbourne: Davey, Bruce, Miller, Warnock, McLean, Moloney, Sylvia, Morton, Bartram
INJURIES: Richmond: Nil
Melbourne: Green (suspected broken jaw)
UMPIRES: James, Wenn, Findlay
REPORTS: Melbourne: Warnock reported by umpire Findlay for striking Hislop before the first bounce
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 40,763 at MCG

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


Roos hold off Dons

April 19th 2009 06:25
NORTH MELBOURNE has snapped a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought 12-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Kangaroos led at every change and withstood a last-quarter surge from the Bombers to prevail 10.9 (69) 7.15 (57) in a scrappy contest.

North Melbourne skipper Brent Harvey led from the front with a game-high 33 possessions and three goals while David Hale booted four majors.

Jack Ziebell impressed with 22 touches and one goal while Lachlan Hansen was busy in defence with 21 disposals and 11 marks.

For the Bombers, Brent Stanton and Jobe Watson won plenty of the football while skipper Matthew Lloyd kicked three goals.

Harvey kicked the first goal of the match at the nine-minute mark and the Roos managed two more for the term to take a 12-point lead into quarter-time.

When Hale took a strong mark and kicked truly the margin was out to 19 points early in the second quarter.

Both sides traded goals for the remainder of the term with a late major from Lloyd reducing the deficit to just 10 points at half-time.

The Dons could have been even closer at the main break but Watson missed two gettable opportunities.

Essendon closed to within a goal early in the second half after Lloyd made Scott McMahon pay for a turnover in defence.

Lloyd should have had another but an interchange blunder cost the Bombers a certain goal.

It proved to be a costly mistake with the Kangaroos slamming on the last three majors of the term to take a handy 20-point lead into the final change.

The Bombers came out firing in the final stanza and closed to with seven points after Lloyd was gifted another goal from a North Melbourne mistake in defence.

Daniel Pratt ran the ball over the goal line leaving the umpire no choice but to pay the new deliberate rushed behind rule.

Essendon had their chances to steal the four points but they failed to capitalise and were made to pay with Hamish McIntosh kicking the sealer at the 23-minute mark.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 3.3, 5.5, 9.7, 10.9 (69)
ESSENDON: 1.3, 3.7, 5.11, 7.15 (57)
GOALS: North Melbourne: Hale 4, Harvey 3, Petrie, McIntosh, Ziebell
Essendon: Lloyd 3, Lovett, McPhee, Stanton, Winderlich
BEST: North Melbourne: Harvey, Hale, Hansen, Ziebell, McIntosh, Power
Essendon: Lloyd, Stanton, Lovett, Watson, Winderlich, McPhee
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Nil
Essendon: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Dockers not in crisis: Pavlich

April 19th 2009 05:26
FREMANTLE skipper Matthew Pavlich has dismissed suggestions his club is in crisis.

The Dockers,who have lost their first four games of the season, have made their worst start to an AFL season since 2001 when they lost their first 17 games and eventually won the wooden spoon.

Speaking on Channel Seven's Game Day show, Pavlich denied the club is the laughing stock of the AFL.

"A laughing stock, I find that very hard to believe," he said.

"I think maybe back in 2000/2001 when I first arrived and we lost a huge amount of money off the field and we really struggling to get revenue and we weren't great on the field - maybe then there was an opportunity to label the club as not going so well."

Pavlich's comments come after the Dockers were held to their second lowest score - 4.4 (28) - in the 83-point loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Pavlich put his side's current woes down to a lack of experience and saiid it was up to Fremantle's middle tier players to lift the club.

"We have lost about 1500 games of experience (following the retirements of Peter Bell, Heath Black, Matthew Carr, Jeff Farmer, Mark Johnson and Shaun McManus and the move of Josh Carr back to Port Adelaide at the end of last season) and we drafted in 14 new players," he said.

"Right now we are in a phase that will take a bit of time and the club is committed to playing the younger players."

"The improvement has to come from guys like Byron Schammer, Ryan Crowley, Michael Johnson and Steven Dodd - guys that are between three and seven years into the system."

"There is no question there also has to be some good leadership and some good direction but that core group in the middle is where the improvement has to come from."

Pavlich also said coach Mark Harvey - who has coached Fremantle to just 10 wins in 33 matches since taking over the job from Chris Connollly in the second half of 2007 - was not in any danger of losing his job as he said everyone at the the club was responsible for the poor start to 2009.

"When you are zip and four we are all under pressure and he (Harvey) has to keep working hard as does the (player) leadership group and everyone else," Pavlich said.

"But we are committed to playing the younger guys and understand it (improvement) could take a little bit of time."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


We are not good enough, says Harvey

April 19th 2009 05:16
FREMANTLE coach Mark Harvey has admitted his side is currently not good enough to compete with the rest of the competition.

Speaking after the Dockers' 83-point loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night, Harvey said his team was well below par in all facets of the game.

"Clearly we're not good enough in all areas of the way we're playing at the moment so there's a lot of hard work to be done," he said.

"And the whole football club has to work diligently at closing the gap."

"What they did last week and this week shows how far away we are from being a good side."

"Is there an excuse? No there's not, but we're just not good enough."

The Dockers have now lost their first four games of the season but Harvey refused to talk about his coaching future.

"For me to talk about coaching at this particular point in time is not in the best interest of the club and also the playing list," Harvey said.

"All I'm trying to do is develop the team, that's all. So that's my answer to it but once again if you want to write about it that way, you do it."

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Round four preview: West Coast v Western Bulldogs

April 18th 2009 16:59
VENUE and TIME: Subiaco Oval, Sunday 19 April, 4.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 37, West Coast 23, Western Bulldogs 13, Draws 1

LAST TIME: Western Bulldogs 20.14 (134) def West Coast 11.8 (74), Round 6 2008 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: West Coast has won six of its past nine clashes against the Western Bulldogs with four of those wins coming at Subiaco Oval.

FORM: The Eagles bounced back from their nine-point loss to Brisbane in round one with a 50-point demolition of Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval before being thumped to the tune of 97 points by a red-hot St Kilda side at Etihad Stadium last weekend. The Bulldogs remain undefeated after opening their season with a convincing 63-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval then recording a hard-fought victory over the Kangaroos in wet conditions at the MCG before overcoming a sluggish start to down Richmond by 47 points on Easter Monday.

MEDICAL ROOM: West Coast welcomes back veteran defender David Wirrpanda (back-related hamstring) for the clash against the Dogs. Youngsters Nick Naitanui and Tony Notte will be unavailable for at least two to three weeks with knee injuries. Midfielder Luke Shuey (groin) is sidelined indefinitely while rugged utility Beau Waters (shoulder) will miss the remainder of the season. The Bulldogs suffered a major blow ahead of this clash with Brownlow medallist Adam Cooney ruled out after undergoing minor knee surgery this week. The Dogs say Cooney is a chance to return for the round five match against Carlton. Robert Murphy made his return from a knee injury via the VFL yesterday while Chris Ogle (glandular fever) will miss at least another week.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Liam Picken vs. Daniel Kerr

In West Coast’s only match at Subiaco Oval so far this season Kerr starred, racking up 28 possessions and booting four goals in his side’s convincing win over the Power.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade will be keen to limit his effectiveness at the stoppages and shut-down his creative run.

Matthew Boyd has done the job on Kerr in the past but Eade will most likely give Picken the task of tagging the star West Coast midfielder.

Picken has restricted North Melbourne skipper Brent Harvey and Richmond young gun Brett Deledio to 18 and 16 possessions respectively in the past fortnight and if he can do a similar job on Kerr on Sunday it will go a long way towards securing victory for the Dogs.

The 22-year-old does not give his opponents any time or space so Kerr will need his teammates to block for him at the stoppages if he is going to have any hope of having an influence.

Adam Selwood vs. Ryan Griffen

Griffen was instrumental in the Bulldogs’ first two wins of the season - he collected 23 possessions and booted three goals against the Dockers before helping himself to a game-high 28 disposals and one goal against the Kangaroos.

The dynamic Bulldogs midfielder was well below his best in the win over the Tigers and will be keen to bounce back on Sunday.

The wide open expanses will suit the hard-running Griffen and with Cooney out of the side you would expect the 22-year-old to come in for some close attention.

Selwood is arguably West Coast’s best stopper in the midfield and looms as the obvious candidate to run with Griffen in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.

While it is vital that Selwood pays close attention to Griffen, he also needs to win his own football at the stoppages and force the 78-gamer to be accountable.

Tyson Stenglein vs. Daniel Cross

Cross was among his side’s best in the win over the Tigers with 27 possessions - 18 of which were by hand.

Like former Bulldogs star Scott West, Cross is damaging with his ability to win the football at close quarters and use it cleanly by hand to find his teammates in space.

If the Eagles are going to be any hope of shutting down the Bulldogs’ running game they will need to limit Cross’ effectiveness at the stoppages.

With Selwood likely to run with Griffen you would expect Stenglein to be given the task of negating Cross who collected the three Brownlow medal votes the last time these two sides met in round six last year.

Stenglein has struggled somewhat so far this season and will need to lift and apply immense pressure and not give Cross any time or space at the stoppages otherwise the Bulldogs midfielder will set up his side’s impressive band of runners who will tear the Eagles to shreds.

Brian Lake vs. Quinten Lynch

West Coast’s forward line failed to fire in the loss to the Saints with the Eagles managing just nine goals for the match.

Mark LeCras has been a shining light up forward for West Coast so far this season, booting 12 goals but he has received little support with the next best forwards in Lynch and Ashley Hansen kicking just five and four respectively.

The Eagles will need the likes of Lynch to step up and provide a marking target inside 50 and have an impact on the scoreboard as LeCras can’t be expected to do it all on his own in the forward line.

Lynch has averaged 20 possessions, 10 marks and three goals in his past three matches against the Bulldogs.

The Eagles will need a similar performance from him on Sunday if they are going to record an upset win but his task won’t be an easy one as he will most likely be matched up by Lake who is the leader of a Bulldogs backline that is the second best in the competition so far this season.

West Coast was able to kick a winning score against Port Adelaide because of their willingness to move the football quickly through the middle of the ground - they will need to do the same on Sunday if Lynch and co. are going to be any chance of having an impact.

It is also vital for West Coast that they use the football cleanly going forward and not just bomb it inside 50 otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by arguably the most skilled side in the AFL.

VERDICT: Expect a vastly better performance from West Coast on Sunday after coach John Worsfold laid down the law following the humiliating loss to St Kilda, saying career’s were on the line if he didn’t see a more committed effort from his players. The Eagles go into the match with an eight-day recovery period in comparison to the Bulldogs' six and with hot weather expected in Perth fatigue could become an issue for the Dogs. But the men from Whitten Oval have enough runners to last the four quarters and they should prevail with their superior skills and multiple options in attack set to be the difference. Bulldogs by 19 points.

WEST COAST v WESTERN BULLDOGS
WEST COAST
B: Adam Hunter, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Brett Jones
C: Adam Selwood, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Andrew Embley, Ashley Hansen, Brent Staker
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, David Wirrpanda
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Tyson Stenglein
I/C: Mitch Brown, Chad Fletcher, Chris Masten, Will Schofield
Emg: Ryan Davis, Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley

In: Staker, Wirrpanda, Schofield
Out: Ryan Davis, Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dylan Addison, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Tom Williams, Ryan Hargrave
C: Liam Picken, Matthew Boyd, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Josh Hill, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen
I/C (from): Daniel Giansiracusa, Jarrod Harbrow, Stephen Tiller, Callan Ward
Emg: Jarrad Grant, Adrejs Everitt, Sam Reid

In: Harbrow
Out: Adam Cooney (knee)



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Round four preview: Richmond v Melbourne

April 18th 2009 16:53
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Sunday 19 April, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 175: Richmond 98, Melbourne 75, Drawn 2

LAST TIME: Richmond 18.13 (121) d Melbourne 6.5 (41), Round 22, 2008 at MCG

RECENT HISTORY: Richmond has won three of its past four against Melbourne with two of those wins coming at the MCG.

FORM: Melbourne and Richmond are yet to win a game this season. The Demons have been competitive early in the losses to the Kangaroos, Collingwood and Port Adelaide before fading badly. The Tigers were thumped to the tune of 83 points by Carlton in round one but then showed plenty of spirit in their gallant 20-point loss to last year’s grand finalists Geelong before suffering a disappointing 47-point to the Western Bulldogs on Easter Monday after a bright start.

MEDICAL ROOM: Injury plagued Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan has been impressive form in the VFL but will have to wait at least another week to make his long-awaited return from a knee injury while Andrew Raines (knee), Ben Cousins (hamstring), former skipper Kane Johnson (patella) and young gun Trent Cotchin (Achilles) are unavailable. For Melbourne, skipper James McDonald (hamstring), fellow midfielder Simon Buckley (groin), defender Daniel Bell (broken hand) and lively small forward Austin Wonaeamirri (hamstring) will remain on the sidelines for at least another week. Ruckman Mark Jamar (foot stress fracture) and defenders Paul Wheatley (quad) and Colin Garland (foot) are sidelined indefinitely.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Clint Bartram vs. Brett Deledio

Deledio failed to fire in the loss to the Bulldogs and will be keen to bounce back with a strong performance against Melbourne.

Last year’s best-and-fairest winner is damaging with his ability to break the lines and kick goals.


The last time these two sides met in round 22 last year Deledio starred with 25 possessions, 10 marks, four inside 50’s and four goals.

The Demons will need to limit his influence on the contest if they are going to open their account in 2009.

Bartram has been given the job on Deledio in the past and you wouldn’t expect it to be any different on Sunday.

Deledio showed against the Dogs that he still struggles to break a tight tag, so expect Bartram to apply immense pressure for the full four quarters and not give the 21-year-old any time or space.

Luke McGuane vs. Matthew Bate

Bate has provided a consistent target up forward for the Demons so far this season, the 51-gamer averaging 16.3 disposals, 5.3 marks per game.

But like his fellow forwards Bate has had little impact in front of goal, booting just four goals in three games in 2009.

If the Demons are going to be any chance of causing an upset they will need someone like Bate to step up and kick four to five goals.

Expect McGuane, who did a good job Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson, to be given the task of matching up on Bate.

The likes of Bate and Brad Miller are leading forwards - they can't be relied on to consistently take pack marks - so the Demons will need to move the football quickly and cleanly through the middle of the ground otherwise they won't have an impact.

Daniel Jackson vs. Aaron Davey

Davey has been Melbourne’s best player in their past two matches against Collingwood and Port Adelaide, averaging 31 possessions per game.

The 24-year-old consistently used the football cleanly in both games

Jackson restricted dynamic Western Bulldogs midfielder Ryan Griffen to just five possessions in the first half on Easter Monday and will most likely be given the task of tagging Davey.

If Jackson is able to contain Davey Melbourne’s forwards will struggle to receive enough quality supply to kick a winning score.

Matthew Warnock vs. Matthew Richardson

Richardson battled hard all day against the Dogs, finishing the match with 22 possessions, 12 marks and one goal.

But the Tigers veteran failed to have his usual impact due to the poor use of the football by his teammates.

When these two sides met in the final round of the home-and-away season last year Warnock did a superb blanketing job on Richardson, keeping the 34-year-old goalless and restricting him to just 12 possessions.

If Richardson starts up forward on Sunday Warnock will most likely get the job again while Cameron Bruce looms as the obvious candidate to run with the Richmond big man in the midfield as he has the tank to match Richardson and can also hurt him going the other way.

If the Tigers are smart with their use of the football going forward you would expect Richardson, Nathan Brown, Mitch Morton and co. to be too good for an inexperienced Melbourne defence.

VERDICT: This is a must-win match for Richmond and in particular coach Terry Wallace who needs to lead the Tigers to the finals for the first time in his five-year reign if he is going to keep his job. Melbourne has been a lot more competitive in 2009 but their inability to play four quarters of football will prove to be costly. The Tigers simply have too much class in the forward line for Melbourne to contain and will take the pressure off Wallace for at least one week. Tigers by 24 points.

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Alex Rance
HB: Tom Hislop, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Matt White, Shane Tuck, Andrew Collins
HF: Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Joel Bowden
F: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Daniel Connors, Jordan McMahon, Robin Nahas, Angus Graham
Emg: Jake King, Shane Edwards, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls

In: Collins, Connors, McMahon, Nahas
Out: Jay Schulz, Richard Tambling, Shane Edwards, Jake King

New: Andrew Collins (Bendigo Pioneers)

MELBOURNE
B: Neville Jetta, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jamie Bennell, Lynden Dunn, Brock McLean
HF: Matthew Bate, Brent Moloney, Michael Newton
F: Brad Miller, Colin Sylvia, Cale Morton
Foll: John Meesen, Cameron Bruce, Brad Green
I/C: Paul Johnson, Nathan Jones, Clint Bartram, Ricky Petterd
Emg: Jake Spencer, Addam Maric, Kyle Cheney

In: Newton
Out: Kyle Cheney

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Round four preview: North Melbourne v Essendon

April 18th 2009 15:27
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 19 April, 1.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 143, North Melbourne 49, Essendon 93, Draws 1

LAST TIME: Essendon 19.8 (122) def North Melbourne 9.13 (67), Round 1 2008 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: North Melbourne has won six of its past seven against Essendon with all but one of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: North won its first game of the season against last year’s wooden spooners Melbourne but has since suffered losses to the Western Bulldogs and reigning premiers Hawthorn. Essendon has bounced back from a 41-point loss to Port Adelaide in round one with victories over Fremantle and Carlton.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Kangaroos are without Jesse Smith (hamstring) and Liam Anthony (foot) while midfielder Daniel Wells was ruled out indefinitely earlier in the week with a hip injury. The Bombers will be without Heath Hocking (toe) but they welcome back midfielder Mark McVeigh who will play his first game of the season after injuring his ankle in the NAB Cup. Scott Gumbleton (back) and Jason Laycock (foot) are sidelined indefinitely while young defender Michael Hurley (quad) and Kyle Reimers (tendonitis) are at least a fortnight away.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Josh Gibson vs. Matthew Lloyd

Lloyd turned back the clock against Carlton last weekend, pulling down 10 marks - six of which were contested - and booting five goals to inspire his side to a thrilling four-point win over the Blues.

The last time these two sides met in round one last year Lloyd starred, booting six goals as the Bombers cruised to a convincing 55-point win.

If the Kangaroos are going to be any hope of recording a much-needed win they will need to curtail Lloyd’s influence on the contest.

Gibson was far from disgraced in his duel with Hawthorn star Lance Franklin last weekend and could well be given first crack at the Essendon skipper.

The Kangaroos will need to shut-down Essendon’s band of runners and deny them the use of the corridor if they are going to contain Lloyd and co.

Mark McVeigh vs. Brent Harvey

Harvey racked up 23 possessions in the loss to the Hawks but he wasn’t at his damaging best with the Kangaroos skipper managing just one scoring assist, no bounces and just four contested possessions.

The 30-year-old was influential in his side’s last win over the Bombers in round 7, 2007, with 30 possessions, one goal, four inside 50’s and three goal assists.

In last weekend’s loss to the reigning premiers the Kangaroos managed just five bounces for the game while the Hawks finished the match with 20.

The Roos will need the likes of Harvey to take the game on and break the lines if they are going to be any chance of securing the four premiership points.

Henry Slattery is an option for Essendon coach Matthew Knights to tag Harvey but he will most likely get a job on one of the Kangaroos' dangerous small forwards.

With this in mind, McVeigh looms as the obvious candidate to run with Harvey.

McVeigh averaged 22 disposals per game and booted 14 goals in 2008 and has the ability to hurt Harvey the other way.

Brady Rawlings vs. Jobe Watson

Watson overcame a sluggish start to be one of his side’s best in the win over the Blues with 20 disposals and five inside 50s.

In the round one clash between these two sides last year Watson was influential with 30 touches, seven marks, five tackles, one goal and three goal assists.

Watson is an integral part of Essendon’s midfield with his ability to win the football at stoppages and use it cleanly by hand to find the likes of Jason Winderlich, Andrew Lovett and co. in space.

Limiting Watson’s effectiveness in close will be a key for the Kangaroos if they are going to shut-down Essendon’s running game.

Expect Rawlings, who is effective in close and was among his side’s best in the loss to the Hawks with a team-high 35 possessions, to go head-to-head with Watson in the middle in what will be a pivotal duel.

Darcy Daniher vs. David Hale

The Roos entered inside their forward 50 just three fewer times than Hawthorn last weekend but they had nine fewer scoring shots.

Their lack of a key marking target inside 50 proved to be costly - they will need someone like Hale to step up on Sunday if they are going to end a two-match losing streak.

Knights left Daniher on Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola all night last weekend and will most likely give him the task of matching up on Hale.

Hale showed in the latter stages of last season they he is capable of being a dangerous forward - he booted 21 of his 37 goals for the year in the last six games of 2008.

If the Roos can get the ball quickly inside 50 and not go wide then Hale is a chance to have a major impact.

VERDICT: North Melbourne has lost its past two matches but the Kangaroos are always at their best when their backs are against them wall so it would be a brave man to write them off in this clash. But on a fast track at Etihad Stadium Essendon‘s pace through the middle should prove to be the difference. Bombers by 27 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v ESSENDON
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Daniel Pratt
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Lachlan Hansen, Josh Gibson
C: Brady Rawlings, Michael Firrito, Leigh Harding
HF: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Ben Warren
F: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Ed Lower, Josh Smith, Sam Power, Andrew Swallow
Emg: Levi Greenwood, Daniel Harris, Todd Goldstein

In: Warren, Lower
Out: Daniel Wells (hip), Corey Jones

New: Ben Warren (Zillmere Eagles)

ESSENDON
B: Dustin Fletcher, Darcy Daniher, Henry Slattery
HB: Tayte Pears, Adam McPhee, Courtenay Dempsey
C: Angus Monfries, Brent Stanton, Ricky Dyson
HF: Jason Winderlich, Scott Lucas, David Zaharakis
F: Patrick Ryder, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
I/C: Hayden Skipworth, Mark McVeigh, Michael Quinn, Jay Nash
Emg: Leroy Jetta, Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray

In: McVeigh, McPhee, Quinn
Out: David Myers, Heath Hocking (toe), Leroy Jetta

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Ablett inspired Cats crush Crows

April 18th 2009 13:31
GARY Ablett has inspired Geelong to a 48-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

Ablett helped himself to a staggering 46 possessions and three goals as the Cats prevailed 21.8 (128) to 13.8 (86).

The 24-year-old star received plenty of support with Joel Corey, James Bartel, Cameron Ling and young gun Joel Selwood racking up 30-plus disposals while Steve Johnson was damaging with 21 quality possessions and three goals.

The Cats shared the load in front of goal - they had 12 individual goal kickers for the match.

For Adelaide, Tyson Edwards, Simon Goodwin and Scott Thompson won plenty of the football while Jason Porplyzia booted three goals.

Geelong stamped their authority on the contest early, moving the football quickly through the corridor as they slammed on the first three goals of the match in an eight-minute burst.

Ablett was simply unstoppable, setting up Johnson for the first goal of the night before kicking two gems of his own.

Adelaide slowly worked their way back into the contest and hit back with three of the next five majors to trail by just 11 points at quarter-time.

The Cats broke the game open in the second term with their exquisite skills on full display as they piled on five unanswered goals in the opening 10 minutes to blow the margin out to 42 points.

The contest appeared to be over but the Crows lifted their rating and reduced the deficit to just 18 points at half-time thanks to goals from Kurt Tippett, Taylor Walker, David Mackay and Porplyzia.

Geelong jumped out of the blocks again in the second half with majors from Mathew Stokes, Travis Varcoe and Johnson.

Adelaide refused to be blown away and when Jared Petrenko kicked truly the Crows were within two straight kicks and in with a real chance of causing a major upset.

But their momentum was halted by Cameron Mooney who made Brent Reilly pay for a turnover in defence by slotting one home to give the Cats a 17-point advantage heading into the final change.

The final term was an anti-climax with Geelong slamming on the first six goals to put the result beyond doubt.

ADELAIDE: 3.2, 7.2, 11.6, 13.8 (86)
GEELONG: 5.1,10.2,14.5, 21.8 (134)
GOALS: ADELAIDE: Porplyzia 3, Mackay 2, Dangerfield 2, Walker 2, Thompson, Tippett, Petrenko, Edwards
GEELONG: Ablett 3, S.Johnson 3, Varcoe 3, Mooney 2, Stokes 2, Rooke 2, Mackie, Blake, Byrnes, Selwood, Chapman, Mumford
BEST: ADELAIDE: Thompson, Edwards, Goodwin, Johncock, Reilly, van Berlo, Vince
GEELONG: Ablett, Corey, Selwood, Ling, Bartel, Enright, Stokes, S.Johnson
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: tbc
GEELONG: Mackie (back), Selwood (cut eye)
REPORTS: -
CHANGES: Darren Milburn replaced in Geelong’s selected side by Tom Lonergan.
UMPIRES: Ryan, Schmitt, Meredith
CROWD: 40,418 at the AAMI STADIUM
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Saints smash dismal Dockers

April 18th 2009 12:46
ST KILDA has maintained its unbeaten start to the season with an 83-point demolition of a hapless Fremantle side at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The Saints were never challenged in a terribly one-sided contest, eventually prevailing 17.9 (111) to 4.4 (28).

St Kilda’s percentage will see it remain at the top of the AFL ladder at the end of the round while the Dockers have slumped to an 0-4 win-loss record.

Dockers coach Mark Harvey will face a long week of scrutiny after another abysmal performance by his side - Fremantle has lost its four matches by an average of 52 points.

Fremantle failed to kick a goal in the first and third quarters but was saved the embarrasment of becoming the first side since Fitzroy in 1998 to be held goalless for three quarters by Paul Hasleby.

Some of the gloss was taken off the win for the Saints with in-form big man Justin Koschitzke suffering a hamstring strain in the first term.

St Kilda skipper Nick Riewoldt played his best game of the season, helping himself to 17 possessions, nine marks and five goals.

Nick Dal Santo continued his brilliant start to 2009 with 31 quality disposals and two goals. He received good support from Leigh Montagna, Brendon Goddard and Luke Ball who won plenty of the football while Clinton Jones was a busy contributor with 21 touches and three goals.

St Kilda completely dominated the opening term, winning the contested football and moving it quickly through the middle of the ground.

While the Saints were switched on the Dockers looked disinterested and continually butchered the football.

Fremantle was made to pay for their poor use of the football with St Kilda piling on five unanswered goals to go into quarter-time with a commanding 32-point lead.

The Dockers were more competitive in the second quarter but failed to make any inroads on the scoreboard with the Saints taking a 33-point advantage into half-time.

Any hopes of a second half fight-back was quashed by the Saints who slammed on five unanswered goals to blow the margin out to 65 points at three-quarter-time.

The lack of pressure applied by the Dockers was summed up in the third quarter with ruckman Michael Gardiner finding the time to drop-kick a goal from the goal-square.

The Saints have their biggest test of the year when they face Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night while the Dockers will be seeking their first win of the season when they clash with Sydney at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

ST KILDA: 5.3, 8.5, 13.8, 17.9 (111)
FREMANTLE: 0.1, 3.2, 3.3, 4.4 (28)
GOALS: St Kilda: Riewoldt 5, Jones 3, Dal Santo 2, M. Gardiner, Geary, Goddard, Gwilt, McQualter, Milne, Montagna
Fremantle: Hasleby, M. Johnson, Pavlich, Solomon
BEST: St Kilda: Montagna, Riewoldt, Gilbert, Jones, Dal Santo, goddard
Fremantle: Schammer, Johnson, Grover
INJURIES: St Kilda: Koschitzke (hamstring)Fremantle: TBC
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Hay, Ryan, Avon
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Port stun Hawks

April 18th 2009 08:20
PORT ADELAIDE has shown it’s the real deal in 2009 with a 30-point win over reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Former Power skipper Warren Tredrea starred, booting six goals to help lift his side to a 17.13 (115) to 12.13 (85) victory.

Scores were level at three quarter-time before the Power completely dominated the final term, slamming on seven goals to three to secure the four premiership points.

The absence of skipper Domenic Cassisi and veteran Peter Burgoyne due to suspension and the loss of star midfielder Shaun Burgoyne who was a late withdrawal made Port’s win even more impressive.

The loss was made worse for Hawthorn with Brent Guerra suffering a hamstring injury in the second term.

Port has now won three of its first four matches while the Hawks have slumped to a 1-3 win-loss record after the first month of the home-and-away season.

Kane Cornes did a superb blanketing job on Sam Mitchell, restricting the Hawthorn skipper to just 16 possessions while Chad Cornes, Travis Boak and Danyle Pearce were influential, racking up 30-plus disposals.

Hamish Hartlett was impressive on debut with 23 touches and 11 marks. Tom Logan kept Hawthorn playmaker Luke Hodge to just 17 touches and took a contender for mark-of-the-year in the third quarter while Troy Chaplin kept Jarryd Roughead goalless.

For the Hawks, Chance Bateman, Garry Moss and Brad Sewell won plenty of the football while Cyril Rioli and Lance Franklin booted three goals apiece.

Port’s willingness to run hard and move the football quickly through the middle of the ground paid dividends as they took a 13-point lead into quarter-time.

Hawthorn hit the front for the first time in the match midway through the second term thanks to goals from Franklin and Stuart Dew but the Power responded with majors from Tredrea and Robbie Gray to take a four-point advantage into the main break.

Tredrea was influential in the third term, booting three of his side’s four goals for the quarter.

But Rioli all but cancelled out Tredrea’s effort with two majors of his own before a goal from Moss levelled scores heading into the final change.

The Power got off to the perfect start in the final stanza with Gray and Dean Brogan kicking goals inside the first four minutes.

Port didn't look back from that moment with Tredrea's 500th career goal sealing a valuable win.

HAWTHORN: 2.2, 5.6, 9.12, 12.13 (85)
PORT ADELAIDE: 4.3, 6.4, 10.6, 17.13 (115)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Franklin 3, Rioli 3, Campbell, Dew, Sewell, Moss, Mitchell, Hodge
Port Adelaide: Tredrea 6, Gray 2, Lade 2, Ebert 2, Logan 2, Rodan, Pearce, Brogan
BEST: Hawthorn: Rioli, Sewell, Bateman, Williams, Franklin, Moss
Port Adelaide: Tredrea, Salopek, C.Cornes, K.Cornes, Gray, Boak, Pearce
INJURIES: Hawthorn: Guerra (hamstring)
Port Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Shaun Burgoyne (knee) replaced in the Port Adelaide line-up by David Rodan; Travis Tuck (shoulder) replaced in Hawthorn line-up by Beau Dowler
UMPIRES: Vozzo, M.Nicholls, Armstrong
CROWD: 33,274 at the MCG

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Swans down Blues

April 18th 2009 07:27
SYDNEY has maintained its dominance over Carlton with a 17-point win over Carlton at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Swans’ 12.12 (84) to 9.13 (67) triumph is their 12th straight win over the Blues.

Carlton has now lost its past two matches after starting the season with wins over Richmond and Brisbane.

Rhyce Shaw led a brilliant Sydney defence with 29 possessions while Craig Bolton restricted Blues spearhead Brendon Fevola to just 1.4.

Darren Jolly was influential in the ruck with 29 hit-outs while Jarrad McVeigh (17 possessions, three goals) had the better of his duel with Carlton skipper Chris Judd.

For the Blues, Judd (30 possessions, one goal) tried hard all day but wasn’t his usual damaging self after a superb start while Jarrad Waite racked up a career-best 31 touches and pulled down 13 marks.

Carlton dominated general play in the opening term with Judd particularly influential with 12 disposals.

However, the Blues failed to translate their dominance onto the scoreboard and were made to pay for their inaccuracy in front of goal with late majors from Martin Mattner and Ed Barlow reducing the deficit to just five points at quarter-time.

Sydney hit the front for the first time in the match at the 10-minute mark of the second term when Kristen Thornton slotted one home with his first kick in AFL football before two late goals in as many minutes from McVeigh gave the Swans a handy 14-point advantage at half-time.

The contest appeared to be well and truly over when the margin blew out to 31 points thanks to goals from Jesse White, McVeigh and Craig Bird.

But Carlton refused to give in and hit back with late goals from Eddie Betts and Cameron Cloke to give themselves a sniff heading into the final change with the Swans holding a 19-point lead.

The final term was a dour struggle with just three behinds scored in the first 15 minutes.

A major from Betts reduced the deficit to 16 points with just over eight minutes left on the clock but the Swans quickly put the result beyond doubt with goals from Jude Bolton and Luke Ablett.

SYDNEY: 3.0, 7.2, 10.7, 12.12 (84)
CARLTON: 3.5, 3.12, 6.12, 9.13 (67)
GOALS: Sydney:McVeigh 3, Jolly, Mattner, Barlow, Moore, Thornton, White, Bird, Jude Bolton, Ablett,
Carlton:Betts 3, Fevola, Houlihan, Judd, Murphy, Cloke, Simpson,
BEST: Sydney:McVeigh, Jude Bolton, Jolly, Shaw, Mattner,
Carlton: Betts, Judd, Gibbs, Waite
INJURIES: Sydney:
Carlton:
REPORTS:
CHANGES: Sydney forward Barry Hall succumbed to the groin strain that has plagued him in the opening rounds and was replaced in the starting line-up by Luke Ablett.
UMPIRES: McBurney, Margetts, Stevic,
CROWD: 30.834 at the SCG

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Round four preview: St Kilda v Fremantle

April 17th 2009 17:33
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 18 April, 7.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 21, St Kilda 10, Fremantle 11

LAST TIME: St Kilda 17.10 (112) def Fremantle 9.15 (69), Round 20 2008 at Subiaco Oval

RECENT HISTORY: St Kilda has won its past three against Fremantle with two of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: St Kilda finds itself at the top of the AFL ladder after winning their first three games of the season. The Saints recorded solid wins over Sydney and Adelaide before thumping a hapless West Coast side to the tune of 97 points last Saturday. Fremantle is one of three side’s to start 2009 with an 0-3 win-loss record. The Dockers were completely outclassed by a Western Bulldogs side that cruised to a convincing 63-point victory in round one before being more competitive in losses to Essendon and Adelaide.

MEDICAL ROOM: St Kilda will be without Raphael Clarke (hamstring) and veteran defender Max Hudghton (calf) for another week while Sean Dempster (knee) is also unavailable. Matt Maguire, Josh Eddy and Xavier Clarke are all available but need to earn a place in the side with good performances in the VFL. Fremantle welcomes back hard-running defender Roger Hayden from a hamstring injury and Paul Duffield, who will replace Greg Broughton (ankle). Des Headland (calf) and Chris Mayne (ankle) will miss another three weeks. Brock O’Brien (quad), Hayden Ballantyne (wrist) and midfielder Andrew Browne are at least a month away from playing.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Ryan Crowley vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo continued his stellar start to the season against the Eagles, racking up 31 possessions and delivering the football inside 50 eight times.

If the Dockers are going to be any hope of containing a St Kilda side that kicked 25 goals last weekend they will need to keep Dal Santo quiet.

The 25-year-old is damaging with his ability to use the football cleanly and if he isn’t watched closely he will continually set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Crowley is Fremantle’s number one tagger and will most likely be given the task of running with Dal Santo.

The Dockers midfielder played his best game of the season against the Crows, collecting 17 disposals and booting two goals.

He will need to pay close attention to Dal Santo but also win his own football and kick goals in order to make the classy Saints midfielder accountable.

Zac Dawson vs. Matthew Pavlich

Pavlich performed solidly in the loss to Adelaide, collecting 15 possessions and booting three goals but he is yet to find the form that has seen him earn All-Australian honours six times.

The 27-year-old likes playing against the Saints and was their best the last time these two sides met at Etihad Stadium in round 13 last year with 16 disposals, seven marks and five goals.

The Dockers will need a similar performance from Pavlich on Saturday night if they are going to be any hope of recording their first win of the season.

Former Hawthorn defender Dawson has impressed since joining the Saints via last year's rookie draft and will most likely be given first crack at Pavlich with Sam Fisher another option for St Kilda coach Ross Lyon if the Dockers opt to start their star forward further up the ground.

Fremantle has continually butchered the football in the first three rounds of the season.

They will need to improve their use of the football dramatically to give the likes of Pavlich the best chance of having an impact otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by a St Kilda side that is ranked sixth in the AFL for rebound 50’s per game.

Luke McPharlin vs. Nick Riewoldt

Like Pavlich, Riewoldt hasn’t hit top form this season but he will head into this match with some confidence given how he performed against the Dockers last year.

In the two clashes between these two sides in 2008 Riewoldt averaged 23.5 possessions, 14.5 marks and booted eight goals.

McPharlin has the height and athletic capabilities to match the hard-leading Riewoldt and will most likely be given the tasking of matching up on the St Kilda skipper.

The Dockers have the worst defence in the competition - conceding 370 points in the first three rounds of the home-and-away season.

If McPharlin and his fellow defenders are going to be any hope of containing a talented St Kilda attack led by Riewoldt, Justin Koschitzke, Stephen Milne and Brendon Goddard they will need support from their midfield.

The Fremantle midfielders will need to apply the same sort of relentless pressure that St Kilda has in the opening three rounds otherwise the Saints forwards will receive silver service.

Steven King/Michael Gardiner vs. Aaron Sandilands

King and Gardiner have been instrumental in St Kilda’s success so far this season and the pair face another big challenge on Saturday night when they go head-to-head with Sandilands who is ranked second in the AFL for hit-outs per game with an average of 28.7.

St Kilda doesn’t need King and Gardiner to win the hit-outs but as long as they provide a contest you would expect the Saints to win the majority of the football at the stoppages given that Fremantle is ranked 10th in the competition for clearances per game.

If the Dockers don’t lift their work rate at the stoppages it will be one-way traffic all night.

VERDICT: The last time these two sides met at Etihad Stadium St Kilda prevailed by just eight points in a low-scoring contest. It won’t be a close affair again on Saturday night with Fremantle expected to wilt under the pressure applied by the Saints. Ross Lyon’s men simply have too much grunt and class in the middle for a Dockers midfield that is currently in the process of rebuilding and too many options in attack for Mark Harvey's charges to contain. Expect this to be yet another percentage-boosting win for a Saints side on the rise. Saints by 61 points.

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

No change

FREMANTLE
B: Roger Hayden, Michael Johnson, Chris Tarrant
HB: Josh Head, Antoni Grover, Steven Dodd
C: Rhys Palmer, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Daniel Gilmore, Luke McPharlin, Byron Schammer
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Kepler Bradley
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy
Int: Dean Solomon, Stephen Hill, Nic Suban, Paul Duffield,
Emg: Matt de Boer, Clayton Hinkley, Ryan Murphy

In: Hayden, Duffield
Out: Greg Broughton (ankle), Clayton Hinkley (omit)
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Round four preview: Adelaide v Geelong

April 17th 2009 17:31
VENUE and TIME: AAMI Stadium, Saturday 18 April, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 27, Adelaide 14, Geelong 13

LAST TIME: Geelong 18.16 (124) def Adelaide 8.8 (56), Round 14, 2008 at AAMI Stadium.

RECENT HISTORY: Geelong has won its past three clashes against Adelaide with two of those wins coming at AAMI Stadium.

FORM: Adelaide opened their season with a shock four-point win over Collingwood but were then brought back to earth by St Kilda at AAMI Stadium before recording a valuable 24-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval last Sunday. Geelong is just one of three unbeaten teams after recording wins over Hawthorn, Richmond and Collingwood. The Magpies challenged last year’s grand finalists early before the Cats broke the game open in a stunning second term in which they piled on eight unanswered goals.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Crows welcome back key defender Nathan Bock who had his club-imposed suspension lifted but they will be without Scott Stevens who suffered concussion after a collision with Fremantle's Luke McPharlin. Nick Gill will miss at least two weeks after suffering a hamstring injury in the win over the Dockers while Trent Hentschel (knee) is about three weeks away from being considered for selection. Midfielder Chris Knights (fractured eye socket) will also miss at least three weeks. For Geelong, skipper Tom Harley and ruckman Brad Ottens will miss one to three weeks with knee injuries while youngster Mitch Brown (broken leg) and defenders Matthew Egan (foot) and Josh Hunt (knee) are out for the season.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Robert Shirley vs. Gary Ablett

Ablett continued his stellar start to the season, racking up a game-high 37 possessions and booting one goal in the 27-point win over the Magpies.

The classy Geelong midfielder has been instrumental in the Cats’ three wins this season and looms as the main man Adelaide must contain if they are going to record an upset win.

If the Crows are going to be any chance of containing Geelong’s multi-pronged attack which is the fourth most potent in the competition they must shut-down Ablett’s creative run.

Shirley has clearly been brought into the side to tag Ablett and will need to watch him closely as the 24-year-old is capable of turning a game on its head in a short space of time - highlighted by his three goals in a stunning three-minute burst against the Crows during the NAB Cup.

Paul Chapman vs. Andrew McLeod

In Adelaide’s last win over Geelong in round 13, 2006, McLeod starred with 27 possessions, 11 marks and one goal.

McLeod is damaging with his ability to set up his side’s attacking forays forward with his creative run and clean use of the football.

Geelong will want to limit his influence on the contest and will most likely put Chapman on him, who collected 35 possessions and booted four goals in the win over the Pies, while rugged utility Max Rooke is another option for coach Mark Thompson.

The Cats will need to look for Chapman at every available opportunity when going forward as it will force McLeod to be accountable and thus negate his influence as an attacking defencer.

Andrew Mackie vs. Jason Porplyzia

Porplyzia was influential in the win over Fremantle, booting four goals - two of which came in the final term when Fremantle threatened to run over the top of the Crows.

The 25-year-old will need to fire again on Saturday night if Adelaide is going to come away with the four premiership points.

Mackie has struggled so far this season but he is a mobile defender that is good overhead - the perfect match-up for Porplyzia.

If Porplyzia is going to be any chance of having an impact he will need his teammates to deliver the football cleanly inside 50 otherwise the Crows will be punished on the rebound by Matthew Scarlett, Mackie and co.

Cameron Ling vs. Scott Thompson

Thompson was among his side’s best in the win over the Dockers with 22 possessions and four inside 50s.

The former Demon was second at the Crows for inside 50’s last season - shutting down the drive he provides through the middle will be a key for the Cats.

Expect Ling, who is widely regarded as the best tagger in the competition, to be given the task of tagging Thompson.

Don’t be surprised if Ling, who is good overhead and a reliable kick in front of goal, pushes forward and tries to drag Thompson out of the middle where he is at his most damaging.

VERDICT: Geelong will play outside Victoria for the first time this season but travelling will be no problem for Mark Thompson’s men who have won 42 of their past 46 home-and-away matches. Adelaide is a disciplined, well-drilled side and they will undoubtedly give a good account of themselves on Saturday night. The Crows’ younger brigade was instrumental in the win the over the Dockers but they will struggle to match the bigger bodied Cats who should make it four wins from as many matches with their class and depth through midfield set to be the difference. Cats by 32 points.

ADELAIDE v GEELONG
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Jared Petrenko, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Michael Doughty, Scott Thompson, David Mackay
HF: Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Nathan van Berlo
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Robert Shirley, Brad Symes, Richard Douglas, Patrick Dangerfield
Emg: Brad Moran, Jonathon Griffin, Jarrhan Jacky

In: Bock, Shirley
Out: Nick Gill (hamstring), Scott Stevens (concussion)

GEELONG
B: Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Max Rooke
C: Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, Cameron Ling
HF: James Kelly, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Steve Johnson
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Shane Mumford, Travis Varcoe, David Wojcinski, Shannon Byrnes
Emg: Tom Lonergan, Ryan Gamble, David Johnson

In: Mumford
Out: Trent West
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Round four preview: Sydney v Carlton

April 17th 2009 17:30
VENUE and TIME: Sydney Cricket Ground, Saturday 18 April, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 211, Sydney 81, Carlton 124, Drawn 6

LAST TIME: Sydney 18.13 (121) def Carlton 18.11 (119), Round 16 2008 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Sydney has won its past 11 matches against Carlton.

FORM: Sydney bounced back from its loss to St Kilda in round one with a win over reigning premiers Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium before going down to Brisbane at the Gabba last Saturday night. Fourth-placed Carlton was denied the chance of starting the season with three straight wins for the first time since 1995 by an Essendon side that prevailed by four points in a classic contest at the MCG in round three.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Swans are still without Amon Buchanan (strained calf) while forward Michael O‘Loughlin (ankle) is at least another two weeks away from being considered for selection. Veteran defender Leo Barry (knee) is sidelined for another month while promising youngster Patrick Veszpremi will miss at least another five weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a finger tendon. For Carlton, defender Michael Jamison (shoulder) is a chance to return against the Bulldogs in round five while Jake Edwards (groin) and Adam Bentick (knee) are sidelined indefinitely. Utility Andrew Walker is expected to miss the remainder of the season following shoulder surgery while former Fremantle ruckman Robbie Warnock remains on the long-term injury list because of stress fractures in his feet.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brett Kirk vs. Chris Judd

Judd was his side’s best in the loss to the Bombers with a game-high 33 possessions and six inside 50’s.

The Carlton skipper is damaging with his ability to win the contested football and break the lines - such players are even more influential on the small confines of the SCG.

The Swans will be keen to turn this contest into a dour struggle and to be able to do this they will need to limit Judd’s influence at the stoppages.

During the week Sydney coach Paul Roos forecasted a dream match-up between dual Brownlow medallist Adam Goodes and Judd but that is unlikely to eventuate.

Expect Kirk, who has restricted star midfielders Sam Mitchell and Simon Black to just 13 and 16 possessions respectively in the past fortnight, to go head-to-head with Judd in what will be a pivotal duel.

Bryce Gibbs vs. Adam Goodes

Goodes managed just 18 possessions in the loss to Lions and will be keen to bounce back with a big performance against the Blues on Saturday.

The 28-year-old is an integral part of the Sydney midfield with his ability to break the lines and pump the football inside 50.

The Blues will be keen to shut-down the drive he provides through the middle and will undoubtedly throw Gibbs the task of running with Goodes after the impressive job he did on the dual Brownlow medallist the last time these two sides met.

In the round 16 clash last year Gibbs racked up 26 possessions and restricted Goodes to just seven disposals and two goals in a performance that earned the impressive young Blue one Brownlow medal vote.

A similar performance on Saturday will go a long way towards securing a rare win for Carlton over the Swans.

Matthew Kreuzer vs. Darren Jolly

Jolly dominated the stoppages against the Lions with a season-high 46 hit-outs - taking his total for the year to 116 - first in the AFL.

The former Melbourne ruckman is the main man the Blues must negate if they are going to secure their first win over Sydney at the SCG since 1993.

Carlton will need Kreuzer to at least break even in the ruck and give Judd, Marc Murphy, Nick Stevens and co. a chance of winning the football at the stoppages otherwise the Swans will be able to dictate the tempo of the game.

Craig Bolton vs. Brendan Fevola

Fevola was dangerous against the Bombers but failed to make the most of his chances in front of goal, booting a wasteful 4.7 and one out on the full.

The Blues spearhead was matched up by Essendon youngster Darcy Daniher on that night but will find his job a lot tougher on Saturday afternoon with the more experienced and largely underrated Bolton to be his likely opponent.

Bolton is a no-frills defender who gets the job done more often than not.

If Fevola is going to be any chance of coming out on top in his duel with Bolton he will need his midfield to move the football quickly through the middle of the ground otherwise the Swans will be able to push back and clog up the space he will lead into.

VERDICT: Sydney may have an imposing record against Carlton but this Blues side is very different to the ones of the past so the Swans’ 11-match winning streak shouldn’t be taken into consideration. Brett Ratten’s men failed to apply pressure for four quarters against the Bombers with their tackle count down to just 43 after averaging 70.5 in the first two games. If the Blues play with the same level of intensity they showed in the first two rounds of the season they should prevail with their midfield stars in Murphy, Stevens, Judd and Gibbs set to be too much for a blue-collar Sydney outfit to contain. Blues by 19 points.

SYDNEY SWANS v CARLTON
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Heath Grundy, Kieren Jack
F: Paul Bevan, Barry Hall, Jarred Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Ed Barlow, Brett Meredith, Kristin Thornton, Jesse White
Emg: Luke Ablett, Ryan Brabazon, Mike Pyke

In: Thornton (Peel Thunder)
Out: Jared Crouch

CARLTON
B: Chris Johnson, Bret Thornton, Kade Simpson
HB: Shaun Grigg, Paul Bower, Jordan Russell
C: Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Nick Stevens
HF: Simon Wiggins, Cameron Cloke, Jarrad Waite
F: Matthew Kreuzer, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Richard Hadley, Chris Judd
I/C: Dennis Armfield, Ryan Houlihan, Aaron Joseph, Mitch Robinson
Emg: Steven Browne, Setanta O’hAilpin, Heath Scotland

In: Armfield
Out: Jeff Garlett
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Round four preview: Hawthorn v Port Adelaide

April 17th 2009 14:28
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday 18 April, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 18, Hawthorn 6, Port Adelaide 12

LAST TIME: Hawthorn 17.15 (117) def Port Adelaide 15.12 (102), Round 8 2008 at Aurora Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Port Adelaide has won eight of its past ten against Hawthorn.

FORM: Hawthorn kick-started its premiership defence with a 54-point demolition of North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium last Sunday after suffering losses to Geelong and Sydney in the first two rounds. Port Adelaide opened the season with a solid 41-point win over Essendon and were then thumped to the tune of 50 points by West Coast before doing what was expected of them, disposing of last year’s wooden spooners Melbourne by 57 points at AAMI Stadium in round three.

MEDICAL ROOM: Hawthorn welcomes back midfielders Jordan Lewis (shoulder) and Brad Sewell (groin) and ruckman Robert Campbell (glute) for the clash against the Power . But they are still without premiership players Stephen Gilham (knee), Grant Birchall (broken thumb), Xavier Ellis (foot sprain), Trent Croad (foot) and Rick Ladson (knee). Port will be without forward Justin Westhoff (foot) for at least six weeks while star midfielder Shaun Burgoyne will play despite experiencing knee soreness after the win over the Demons.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Kane Cornes vs. Sam Mitchell

Mitchell bounced back from his disappointing game against the Swans, racking up a game-high 37 possessions in the win over the Kangaroos.

The Hawthorn skipper led from the front and was instrumental in the win with his ability to win the football at the stoppages and set up his runners with his clean use of the football by hand.

If the Power are going to be any hope of shutting down Hawthorn’s potent forward line they will need to quell the influence of Mitchell.

When these two sides met in round 20, 2007, Cornes restricted Mitchell to just 19 possessions and helped himself to a game-high 38 touches and three goals in a performance that earned him the three Brownlow medal votes.

Expect Cornes to once again be given the task of tagging Mitchell in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

Cornes will give Mitchell very little time or space at the stoppages and will try to hurt him going the other way.

Brad Sewell vs. Shaun Burgoyne

With skipper Domenic Cassisi and Peter Burgoyne both suspended, the Power will need Shaun Burgoyne to have a big game if they are going to record their third win of the season.

The youngest of the Burygone brothers was his side’s best player the last time these two sides met in round eight last year with a team-high 31 possessions, one goal and four inside 50’s.

Shaun Burgoyne is regarded as one of the premier midfielders in the competition because of his ability to break the lines and kick goals - quelling his influence in the middle will go a long way towards securing a win for the Hawks.

Sewell has done a stellar job on Shaun Burgoyne in the past - he restricted him to just 14 touches in round 20, 2007 and will most likely be given the task of tagging the classy Port midfielder once again on Saturday.

Michael Pettigrew vs. Lance Franklin

Franklin has been solid without being spectacular so far this season but still looms as a danger man for the Power.

When these two sides met last year Franklin booted six goals to inspire his side to a 15-point win.

Pettigrew is giving away three centimetres and more than ten kilos to Franklin but he has the pace to match last year’s Coleman medallist on the lead.

In Port’s last win over the Hawks in 2007 Pettigrew restricted Franklin to just nine possessions and two goals.

A similar defensive performance on the Hawks star on Saturday will go a long way towards securing the four premiership points for the Power.

Pettigrew will need support from his midfield which will need to apply relentless pressure and not give Hawthorn’s on-ball division any time of space in which to deliver the football cleanly inside 50.

Thomas Murphy vs. Warren Tredrea

The former Port Adelaide skipper turned the clock back against the Demons, booting six goals.

Tredrea has a solid record against Hawthorn - he has booted 21 goals in his past seven games - and he will fancy his chances of having an impact on Saturday given the Hawks are still undermanned down back.

With Croad and Gilham still on the sidelines Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson will most likely give Murphy the task of matching up on Tredrea.

If the Power are able to win the contested football and move it quickly into the forward line Tredrea could well have a day out against the inexperienced Murphy who has played just 33 games since being selected in the 2004 national draft.

VERDICT: Port may have the wood over Hawthorn but the loss of Peter Burgoyne and Cassisi will cost them the four premiership points on Saturday. The Hawks now have the edge in the middle and with the return of their two best ruckmen in Campbell and Simon Taylor from injury and suspension respectively, the likes of Lewis, Mitchell and Sewell should be able to win enough of the football at the stoppages and provide Franklin and co. with enough quality supply to kick a winning score. Hawks by 23 points.

HAWTHORN v PORT ADELAIDE
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Thomas Murphy, Brendan Whitecross
HB: Stuart Dew, Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Cameron Stokes
F: Campbell Brown, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Travis Tuck
I/C: Brent Renouf, Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Morton, Garry Moss
Emg: Beau Dowler, Ryan Schoenmakers, Matt Sucking

In: Campbell, Lewis, Sewell, Taylor
Out: Grant Birchall (thumb), Xavier Ellis (foot), Stephen Gilham (knee), Ryan Schoenmakers

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Matt Thomas
C: Shaun Burgoyne, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, Hamish Hartlett
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Travis Boak, Josh Carr, Tom Logan, Wade Thompson
Emg: Jason Davenport, David Rodan, Toby Thurstans

In: Hartlett, Logan
Out: Peter Burgoyne (susp), Domenic Cassisi (susp)


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Pies overrun Lions

April 17th 2009 13:40
COLLINGWOOD has celebrated Shane O’Bree’s 200th game with a gutsy 17-point win over Brisbane at the Gabba on Friday night.

The undermanned Magpies who were without skipper Nick Maxwell and star defender Heath Shaw due to suspension and veteran Ben Johnson who fractured his leg in the loss to Geelong, showed plenty of courage in fighting back from a 22-point deficit to prevail 13.12 (90) to 10.13 (73).

The Lions got the early jump and led at half-time before Collingwood took control in the second half, slamming on six of the last seven goals of the contest to record a season-defining win.

The loss was made worse for Brisbane with ruckman Jamie Charman suffering a suspected knee injury in the third term.

The Pies had seven individual goal kickers for the match - Paul Medhurst the most damaging with four while Leon Davis chimed in with three valuable majors.

Scott Pendlebury was influential in the middle with a game-high 35 possessions. He received good support from Tarkyn Lockyer, Shannon Cox and Martin Clarke who won plenty of the football.

Jaxson Barham was impressive on debut with 28 touches while Simon Prestigiacomo kept Jonathan Brown quiet after the Brisbane skipper kicked 2.1 on Nathan Brown in the first term - Brown added just four more behinds for the match.

For the Lions, Luke Power and Simon Black got a lot of the football. Bradd Dalziell tried hard all night and finished with 28 touches and two goals while Jed Adcock was a busy contributor with 25 disposals.

Brisbane settled first after a sloppy opening from both sides. The Lions’ willingness to move the football quickly through middle of the ground and kick it long into the forward line paid dividends as they kicked the first three goals of the match through Brown, Tim Notting and Mitch Clark.

Collingwood hit back with two of the next three goals but the Lions would go into the first change in control with late goals from Brown and Troy Selwood who kicked his second after the siren after being awarded a controversial 50m penalty to put his side 22 points in front at quarter-time.

The Magpies got off to the perfect start in the second term with Dale Thomas slotting one home inside the first 20 seconds.

Both sides went goal for goal from that moment on before the Pies closed to within 10 points at the main break thanks to majors from Dane Swan and Travis Cloke who kicked truly after the siren.

Medhurst turned the game on its head in the third term, booting two goals in as many minutes to give his side the lead for the first time in the match.

The Pies applied immense pressure all over the ground but failed to translate their hard work into a lead at three-quarter time with a Michael Rischitelli goal giving the Lions a four-point advantage heading into the final change.

Medhurst’s fourth goal - a clever snap from a difficult angle - put the Magpies back in front and they didn’t look back from that moment as they piled on the last three goals of the match to secure the four points.

BRISBANE: 6.2, 9.4, 10.8, 10.13 (73)
COLLINGWOOD: 2.4, 7.6, 9.10, 13.12 (90)

GOALS: Brisbane: Dalziell 2, Brown 2, Selwood 2, Adcock, Rischitelli, Clark, Notting
Collingwood: Medhurst 4, Davis 3, Lockyer 2, Swan, Thomas, Anthony, Cloke
BEST: Brisbane: Dalziell, Adcock, Rischitelli, Black, Power
Collingwood: Medhurst, Pendlebury, Lockyer, Davis, Fraser, O'Brien
INJURIES: Brisbane: Charman (knee)
Collingwood: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, McLaren, Grun
CROWD: 34,912 at the Gabba

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AFL Teams: Round Four

April 17th 2009 08:13
2009 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON

ROUND FOUR (all times local)

Friday April 17
Brisbane Lions v Collingwood at the Gabba, 7.40pm

Saturday April 18
Sydney Swans v Carlton at the SCG, 2.10pm
Hawthorn v Port Adelaide at the MCG, 2.10pm
St Kilda v Fremantle at Docklands, 7.10pm
Adelaide v Geelong at AAMI Stadium, 7.40pm

Sunday April 19
North Melbourne v Essendon at Docklands, 1.10pm
Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG, 2.10pm
West Coast v Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval, 4.40pm

BRISBANE LIONS v COLLINGWOOD
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Luke Power, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Bradd Dalziell, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Tim Notting, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Travis Johnstone, Jed Adcock
I/C: Jared Brennan, Cheynee Stiller, Jason Roe, Troy Selwood
Emg: James Polkinghorne, Tom Collier, Albert Proud

In: Jamie Charman, Jared Brennan
Out: Matthew Leuenberger (knee), Albert Proud

COLLINGWOOD
B: Shannon Cox, Simon Prestigiacomo, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke
C: Shane O’Bree, Alan Didak, Dale Thomas
HF: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Paul Medhurst
F: John Anthony, Leigh Brown, Anthony Rocca
Foll: Josh Fraser, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Leon Davis, Jaxson Barham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
Emg: Anthony Corrie, Brad Dick, Danny Stanley

In: Barham, Goldsack, Rocca, Toovey
Out: Brad Dick, Ben Johnson (leg), Nick Maxwell (susp), Heath Shaw (susp)

New: Jaxson Barham (Geelong U18)

SYDNEY SWANS v CARLTON
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Ted Richards, Nick Malceski
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Craig Bird
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Heath Grundy, Kieren Jack
F: Paul Bevan, Barry Hall, Jarred Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Ed Barlow, Brett Meredith, Kristin Thornton, Jesse White
Emg: Luke Ablett, Ryan Brabazon, Mike Pyke

In: Thornton
Out: Jared Crouch

New: Kristin Thornton (Peel Thunder)

CARLTON
B: Chris Johnson, Bret Thornton, Kade Simpson
HB: Shaun Grigg, Paul Bower, Jordan Russell
C: Marc Murphy, Bryce Gibbs, Nick Stevens
HF: Simon Wiggins, Cameron Cloke, Jarrad Waite
F: Matthew Kreuzer, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Sam Jacobs, Richard Hadley, Chris Judd
I/C: Dennis Armfield, Ryan Houlihan, Aaron Joseph, Mitch Robinson
Emg: Steven Browne, Setanta O’hAilpin, Heath Scotland

In: Armfield
Out: Jeff Garlett

HAWTHORN v PORT ADELAIDE
HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Thomas Murphy, Brendan Whitecross
HB: Stuart Dew, Robert Campbell, Luke Hodge
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Cameron Stokes
F: Campbell Brown, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Travis Tuck
I/C: Brent Renouf, Jordan Lewis, Jarryd Morton, Garry Moss
Emg: Beau Dowler, Ryan Schoenmakers, Matt Suckling

In: Campbell, Lewis, Sewell, Taylor
Out: Grant Birchall (thumb), Xavier Ellis (foot), Stephen Gilham (knee), Ryan Schoenmakers

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Matt Thomas
C: Shaun Burgoyne, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, Hamish Hartlett
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Travis Boak, Josh Carr, Tom Logan, Wade Thompson
Emg: Jason Davenport, David Rodan, Toby Thurstans

In: Hartlett, Logan
Out: Peter Burgoyne (susp), Domenic Cassisi (susp)

New: Hamish Hartlett (West Adelaide)

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

No change

FREMANTLE
B: Roger Hayden, Michael Johnson, Chris Tarrant
HB: Josh Head, Antoni Grover, Steven Dodd
C: Rhys Palmer, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Daniel Gilmore, Luke McPharlin, Byron Schammer
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Kepler Bradley
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy
I/C: Dean Solomon, Stephen Hill, Nic Suban, Paul Duffield
Emg: Matt de Boer, Clayton Hinkley, Ryan Murphy

In: Hayden, Duffield
Out: Greg Broughton (ankle), Clayton Hinkley

ADELAIDE v GEELONG
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Jared Petrenko, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Michael Doughty, Scott Thompson, David Mackay
HF: Brent Reilly, Taylor Walker, Nathan van Berlo
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Robert Shirley, Brad Symes, Richard Douglas, Patrick Dangerfield
Emg: Brad Moran, Jonathon Griffin, Jarrhan Jacky

In: Bock, Shirley
Out: Nick Gill (hamstring), Scott Stevens (concussion)

GEELONG
B: Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett, Darren Milburn
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Max Rooke
C: Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, Cameron Ling
HF: James Kelly, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Steve Johnson
Foll: Mark Blake, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Shane Mumford, Travis Varcoe, David Wojcinski, Shannon Byrnes
Emg: Tom Lonergan, Ryan Gamble, David Johnson

In: Mumford
Out: Trent West

NORTH MELBOURNE v ESSENDON
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Scott McMahon, Scott Thompson, Daniel Pratt
HB: Gavin Urquhart, Lachlan Hansen, Josh Gibson
C: Brady Rawlings, Michael Firrito, Leigh Harding
HF: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Ben Warren
F: Matt Campbell, David Hale, Lindsay Thomas
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Adam Simpson, Jack Ziebell
I/C: Ed Lower, Josh Smith, Sam Power, Andrew Swallow
Emg: Levi Greenwood, Daniel Harris, Todd Goldstein

In: Warren, Lower
Out: Daniel Wells (hip), Corey Jones

New: Ben Warren (Zillmere Eagles)

ESSENDON
B: Dustin Fletcher, Darcy Daniher, Henry Slattery
HB: Tayte Pears, Adam McPhee, Courtenay Dempsey
C: Angus Monfries, Brent Stanton, Ricky Dyson
HF: Jason Winderlich, Scott Lucas, David Zaharakis
F: Patrick Ryder, Matthew Lloyd, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
I/C: Hayden Skipworth, Mark McVeigh, Michael Quinn, Jay Nash
Emg: Leroy Jetta, Sam Lonergan, Nathan Lovett-Murray

In: McVeigh, McPhee, Quinn
Out: David Myers, Heath Hocking (toe), Leroy Jetta

RICHMOND v MELBOURNE
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Alex Rance
HB: Tom Hislop, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Matt White, Shane Tuck, Andrew Collins
HF: Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Joel Bowden
F: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Daniel Connors, Jordan McMahon, Robin Nahas, Angus Graham
Emg: Jake King, Shane Edwards, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls

In: Collins, Connors, McMahon, Nahas
Out: Jay Schulz, Richard Tambling, Shane Edwards, Jake King

New: Andrew Collins (Bendigo Pioneers)

MELBOURNE
B: Neville Jetta, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jamie Bennell, Lynden Dunn, Brock McLean
HF: Matthew Bate, Brent Moloney, Michael Newton
F: Brad Miller, Colin Sylvia, Cale Morton
Foll: John Meesen, Cameron Bruce, Brad Green
I/C: Paul Johnson, Nathan Jones, Clint Bartram, Ricky Petterd
Emg: Jake Spencer, Addam Maric, Kyle Cheney

In: Newton
Out: Kyle Cheney

WEST COAST v WESTERN BULLDOGS
WEST COAST
B: Adam Hunter, Darren Glass, Mark Nicoski
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Brett Jones
C: Adam Selwood, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Andrew Embley, Ashley Hansen, Brent Staker
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, David Wirrpanda
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Tyson Stenglein
I/C: Mitch Brown, Chad Fletcher, Chris Masten, Will Schofield
Emg: Ryan Davis, Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley

In: Staker, Wirrpanda, Schofield
Out: Ryan Davis, Brad Ebert, Ben McKinley

WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dylan Addison, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Tom Williams, Ryan Hargrave
C: Liam Picken, Matthew Boyd, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Shaun Higgins, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Josh Hill, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen
I/C (from): Daniel Giansiracusa, Jarrod Harbrow, Stephen Tiller, Callan Ward
Emg: Jarrad Grant, Adrejs Everitt, Sam Reid

In: Harbrow
Out: Adam Cooney (knee)
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Cats won't sledge Bock: Thompson

April 17th 2009 06:19
GEELONG coach Mark Thompson has dismissed suggestions that Adelaide defender Nathan Bock would be sledged by the Cats at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.

Bock, who was suspended indefinitely by the club after being charged by police with allegedly assaulting his girlfiend and property damage in the early hours of April 5, missed just the one match before being included in the side to face the Cats.

Speaking at his Friday media conference, Adelaide coach Neil Craig said he expected Bock to be sledged.

"We would be naive not to think it's going to happen wouldn't we, whether it be players or supporters but Nathan understands that," Craig said.

"It's part of paying the price, I can't control it, I don't even want to try and control it, people will make their own judgements, whoever does it and decides to do it have got a choice to make."

But Thompson said his side won't be verbally targeting the All-Australian centre-half back.

"It's something I wouldn't do and I hope our players don't do it," Thompson said.

"I think we have a bit more respect than that."

"Off the field incidents should just be left there and we should really concentrate on playing footy - I don't think we'll even mention Bock's name."

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Round four preview: Brisbane v Collingwood

April 16th 2009 15:00
VENUE and TIME: The Gabba, Friday 17 April, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 34, Brisbane 17, Collingwood 17

LAST TIME: Brisbane 13.18 (96) def Collingwood 13.16 (94), Round 2, 2008 at the Gabba

RECENT HISTORY: Brisbane has won three of its past five against Collingwood and has only lost three of the 13 clashes between these two sides at the Gabba.

FORM: Brisbane recorded a come-from-behind win over West Coast and then lost to Carlton before defeating Sydney for the first time since 2004 last weekend. Collingwood rebounded from their four-point loss to Adelaide in round one to dispose of last year’s wooden spooners Melbourne before being made to pay for their poor kicking in front of goal against Geelong, going down to last year’s grand finalists by 27 points in round three.

MEDICAL ROOM: Brisbane suffered a major blow during the week with promising young ruckman Matthew Leuenberger ruled out for at least 12 weeks after injuring his knee in the win against the Swans. The loss of Leuenberger has been somewhat lessened by the return of Jamie Charman while utility Jared Brennan will play his first game of the season after battling with a quad injury. Meanwhile, lively small forward Rhan Hooper will miss the clash against Collingwood with an ankle injury. The Magpies lost Ben Johnson who is expected to miss eight weeks after fracturing his leg in the loss to the Cats. In some good news for the Pies, veteran Anthony Rocca will play for first time since round 13 last year when he injured his ankle.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Nathan Brown vs. Jonathan Brown

The last time these two sides met in round two last year Nathan Brown had the better of his duel with Jonathan Brown, restricting the Brisbane Lions skipper to just 10 possessions and three goals.

Nathan Brown has struggled so far this season and is lacking confidence but will most likely be given first crack at Jonathan Brown on Friday night given that Simon Prestigiacomo will line-up on the in-form Daniel Bradshaw who will play close to goal.

With both skipper Nick Maxwell and Heath Shaw both suspended, Collingwood’s backline looks rather vulnerable.

They will need support from their midfield who will need to apply immense pressure all over the ground if they are going to contain Brown, Bradshaw and co.

Shane O’Bree vs. Simon Black

Black looms as the main danger man for the Magpies given his record against Mick Malthouse’s men.

The 2002 Brownlow medallist has averaged just under 30 disposals per game in his past eight matches against the Pies with his 39 possession performance in the 2003 grand final the standout.

Black is damaging with his ability to win the football at close quarters and dish it off by hand to the likes of Jed Adcock, Travis Johnstone and co.

If the Magpies are going to be any hope of quelling the influence of Brown and Bradshaw they will need to shut-down Brisbane’s running game - limiting Black’s effectiveness at the stoppages will go a long way towards achieving that.

O’Bree is Collingwood’s second best clearance player so far this season behind Dane Swan and will most likely go head-to-head with Black in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

The 30-year-old, who will play his 200th match on Friday night, will need to win his fair share of the football at the stoppages and not give Black any time or space in which to use the football cleanly.

Tarkyn Lockyer vs. Travis Johnstone

When these two sides met last year Johnstone was among his side’s best with 22 possessions and seven inside 50’s.

The former Demon hurts sides with his ability to deliver the football cleanly inside 50 and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

The Pies will be keen to limit his influence on the contest and will most likely use Lockyer in a run with role.

Lockyer, who racked up 32 possessions and pulled down 19 marks in the Pies last win over Brisbane at the Gabba in round nine, 2007, will try and push forward at every available opportunity and make Johnstone accountable, thus limiting his impact as an attacking midfielder.

Jamie Charman vs. Josh Fraser

With Leuenberger sidelined the Lions will be relying on Charman to do the majority of work in the ruck with Mitch Clark to provide some support.

Fraser failed to take advantage of the absence of Geelong ruckman Brad Ottens last weekend with the Cats winning the hit-out count 46-24.

The Magpies will need Fraser to lift on Friday night if they are going to be any chance of winning enough of the contested football against a talent-laden Brisbane midfield led by Black, Johnstone, Luke Power and young gun Daniel Rich.

Charman has had an interrupted start to the year and will struggle to match the Collingwood big man around the ground - expect Fraser to try and run him ragged and provide another marking option for the Pies inside 50.

VERDICT: Brisbane will head into this match with plenty of confidence given their dominance over Collingwood at the Gabba. Both sides are relatively evenly matched across the ground but the loss of Shaw and Maxwell will hurt the Pies. Shaw provides plenty of drive from half-back and could have been used as a loose man in defence to clog up the space in front of Brisbane’s twin towers while Maxwell was another option for Malthouse to line-up on one of the Lions’ key forwards if things didn’t go right early. In what shapes as being a hard-fought contest, the goal kicking power of Brown and Bradshaw - who have booted 23 goals between them in four games - should prove to be the difference. Lions by 21 points.

BRISBANE LIONS v COLLINGWOOD
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Luke Power, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Bradd Dalziell, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Tim Notting, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Jamie Charman, Travis Johnstone, Jed Adcock
I/C: Jared Brennan, Cheynee Stiller, Jason Roe, Troy Selwood
Emg: James Polkinghorne, Tom Collier, Albert Proud

In: Jamie Charman, Jared Brennan
Out: Matthew Leuenberger (knee), Albert Proud

COLLINGWOOD
B: Shannon Cox, Simon Prestigiacomo, Tyson Goldsack
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Martin Clarke
C: Shane O’Bree, Alan Didak, Dale Thomas
HF: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Paul Medhurst
F: John Anthony, Leigh Brown, Anthony Rocca
Foll: Josh Fraser, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Leon Davis, Jaxson Barham, Dane Swan, Alan Toovey
Emg: Anthony Corrie, Brad Dick, Danny Stanley

In: Barham, Goldsack, Rocca, Toovey
Out: Brad Dick, Ben Johnson (leg), Nick Maxwell (susp), Heath Shaw (susp)


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Trigg defends lifting of ban

April 16th 2009 09:57
ADELAIDE chief executive Steven Trigg has defended the club's decision to lift Nathan Bock's club-imposed suspension.

Bock was suspended indefinitely by the Crows after being charged by police with assault and property damage at the General Havelock Hotel in the early hours of April 5.

The reigning club best-and-fairest and 2008 All-Australian centre-half back was referred for counselling after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

The 26-year-old, who has a court appearance pending in June, was also fined $5000 and ordered to undertake 50 hours of community service.

Trigg said the decision to include Bock in the side to play Geelong at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night was made to assist in his rehabilitation.

"The professional advice I've had is get back to normal, get back on the bike, make sure that counselling is effective and then you've got a better human being on your hands," he said.

"Missing more games doesn't help him at all and missing more games in fact could be counteractive to his mindset in terms of rehabilitation."

"It (a lengthy suspension) doesn't change, in a positive sense, outcomes that you are trying to achieve - it might help people feel better that we've cracked him, it might make some people feel better frankly if we burnt him at the stake."

Trigg also said Bock had expressed genuine remorse and that the club's decision to lift the ban was by no means an indication that they condoned such behaviour.

"Nathan is showing a genuine amount of remorse and contrition for what he's done and he has genuine resolve that it'll never happen again," he said.

"If there's any doubt, I'll send this message to any women out there - please do not perceive our actions as endorsing anything, violence against women is an abhorrent thing."

"As a football club and me personally ...we take it very seriously."

The Crows are also working to have a bail condition, which prevents Bock making contact with his girlfriend, lifted on the request of both parties.

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Bock cleared to play

April 16th 2009 05:31
ADELAIDE defender Nathan Bock is set to play in Saturday night's clash against Geelong at AAMI Stadium after the Crows lifted his club-imposed suspension.

Bock was suspended indefinitely by the club after being charged by police with assault and property damage at the General Havelock Hotel in the early hours of Sunday 5 April.

The All-Australian centre-half back and reigning club best-and-fairest was referred for counselling after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend.

The 26-year-old missed the Crows' 24-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval last Sunday but Adelaide said in a statement on Thursday that Bock's suspension had been lifted, clearing the way for him to play this weekend.
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Video scandal still an issue: Laidley

April 16th 2009 03:55
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley says the effects of the 'Boris the Chicken Affair' continue to be felt at Arden Street.

Speaking ahead of training on Thursday, Laidley said the playing group was still affected by the crisis which erupted eight days ago and admitted it would take a while for his side to move on from the scandal.

"Let's talk in realities. It's still there. They've been a pretty fragile group. As late as Monday or Tuesday (this week) we were still moving forward and it's not going to take a week or two weeks, I imagine it's going to take a while," Laidley said.

"It’s had a draining effect on everyone physically and mentally, but we’ll move on."
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Rocca back for Pies

April 16th 2009 02:15
COLLINGWOOD forward Anthony Rocca will make his long-awaited return to AFL football against Brisbane at the Gabba on Friday night.

The 31-year-old has not played since round 13 last year due to ankle injury.

Magpies midfielder Shane O'Bree, who plays his 200th game this week, declared Rocca a certain starter.

"He will definitely play. He has done the hard yards since late last year when he hurt himself," O'Bree said.

"His rehab work has been sensational to get himself to where he is now. It's the best I've seen him move on the training track so hopefully on game day he puts it in and gets through unscathed."

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Wells out indefinitely

April 16th 2009 02:07
NORTH MELBOURNE midfielder Daniel Wells will miss Sunday's clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium with a hip injury.

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley revealed that Wells has been carrying the injury for a couple of weeks and said that the star midfielder won't be rushed back.

"He's had some scans, he's a little bit sore so he'll be rested until he's 100 percent," Laidley said.

"It's not disastrous, it's only small but some people can play with injuries and probably some people can't."

Leigh Harding and promising youngster Jack Ziebell need to pass fitness tests later in the week but David Hale, who was heavily concussed against the Hawks last Sunday, will most likely play against the Bombers.

Laidley also said that forward Corey Jones would be dropped and that Ben Warren would make his AFL debut.

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I'm ready to play: Bock

April 15th 2009 03:48
ADELAIDE defender Nathan Bock says he wants a club-imposed suspension lifted so he can resume with the Crows.

Bock was indefinitely suspended by the club after being reported by police for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and causing property damage earlier this month.

Speaking on Adelaide radio, the All-Australian defender said he is in the right frame of mind to play.

"Yeah, I'm definitely ready to play," Bock said.

"I'm doing everything I can to give myself the best opportunity to resume playing as soon as possible and hopefully that will happen sooner rather than later."

"The club have given me criteria to undergo in terms of meeting specific expectations in terms of counselling sessions and what not so I feel we put a lot of those in place last week, we'll follow on with those this week and for the rest of the season."

"This time last week I was pretty much down and an emotional wreck so in terms of that my mental state is probably 100 percent better than it was last week."

The 26-year-old also revealed he hasn't been able to speak to his girlfriend since the incident which occurred at the General Havelock Hotel during the early hours of April 5.

"I haven't spoken with Carly as yet. Part of the bail agreements say I'm not allowed to have any contact with her which is has obviously been pretty tough, especially coming from a three-year relationship so in that sense it has been difficult," he said.

"From all reports from Carly's friends, and people from the footy club, that hopefully that process is in place and we can have some contact."

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Hargrave accepts fine

April 15th 2009 03:20
THE AFL Tribunal will not need to sit for a second night after Western Bulldogs defender Ryan Hargrave opted not to contest his charge of making negligent contact with an umpire during the Easter Monday clash against Richmond.

Hargrave accepted a $1950 fine for his collision with umpire Justin Schmitt during the third quarter of the Bulldogs' 47-point win over the Tigers at Etihad Stadium.
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Brown cleared

April 14th 2009 09:48
HAWTHORN defender Campbell Brown has been cleared of a rough conduct charge at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night

Brown was reported for engaging in rough conduct against North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Wells during the Hawks' 54-point win at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The incident occurred as Brown attempted to bump Wells, who was in possession of the ball and while Brown succeeded in dispossessing the 24-year-old he also made slight contact to Wells' head.

The match review panel ruled the incident as low impact and reckless conduct but the Hawks successfully argued the contact was not of sufficient force to warrant a report.

The result is a major boost for the injury-ravaged Hawks who have already lost Grant Birchall (broken thumb) and Xavier Ellis (foot) for Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide at the MCG.
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Shaw hit with one-match ban

April 14th 2009 07:51
COLLINGWOOD defender Heath Shaw has been hit with a one-match ban for making contact with umpire Michael Vozzo in Thursday's 27-point loss to Geelong at the MCG.

The AFL's legal counsel recommended that Shaw receive 225 points and a $2600 fine - which was agreed to by Collingwood and the three man jury consisting of Richard Loveridge, Wayne Schimmelbush and David Pittman.

But because of Shaw's guilty plea and his clean record, he received two separate 25 percent discounts in terms of his demerit points which meant his 225 points and two-match suspension was reduced to just 126.56 points, which equates to a one-match ban while his fine fell to $1950.

Speaking on behalf of Shaw, Pies' player advocate Tony Burns said the 23-year-old did not consider the seriousness of the actions when he tried to attract the attention of Vozzo.

"Heath Shaw is a young man who communicates demonstrably and talks with his hands as much as he does with his mouth," Burns said.

"It was intentional (contact) but it was not malicious - it was more about 'I need to talk to you'."

"It was a split second decision to slow umpire Vozzo down but he realises it's not on and he will never do it again."

"Heath understands that umpires are sacrosanct and he apologises for making contact with umpire Vozzo."

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Cooney to miss

April 14th 2009 07:30
WESTERN BULLDOGS midfielder Adam Cooney will miss Sunday's clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval after undergoing surgey on his knee.

Cooney underwent keyhole surgery to remove floating cartilage in his right knee.

Bulldogs football operations manager James Fantasia said the club believed it was in Cooney's best interests to have the surgery now.

"He could play the whole year with it but it creates a bit of inflammation at times," Fantasia said.

"Effectively, because it's still early in the year and it was giving him some discomfort, we're better off doing it now."

The 2008 Brownlow medallist had surgery on the knee to repair a fracture in the kneecap in October but Fantasia said this complaint was likely to be unrelated and instead caused by general wear and tear.

The Bulldogs said Cooney is a chance to return for the clash against Carlton at Etihad Stadium in round five.
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Leuenberger to miss up to three months

April 14th 2009 06:18
BRISBANE has suffered a major blow with ruckman Matthew Leuenberger ruled out for up to three months with a knee injury.

Leuenberger limped off in the third minute of the Lions' 33-point win over Sydney at the Gabba last Saturday night but returned to the field, only to aggravate the injury.

The Lions initally hoped the 20-year-old would only miss four to six weeks but scans revealed a meniscus cartilage tear in his left knee

He has undergone surgery to repair the damage and is expected to make a full recovery
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Picken free to play

April 14th 2009 05:48
WESTERN BULLDOGS tagger Liam Picken is free to play in his side's clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Sunday after being cleared of striking Richmond midfielder Brett Deledio.

It was the view of the match review panel that Picken made a legitimate attempt to spoil and that he only made contact with Deledio's shoulder.

Picken's teammate, Ryan Hargrave can accept a $1950 fine after being charged with making negligent contact with an umpire while contact between Stephen Tiller and Jack Riewoldt from the first quarter of the Easter Monday clash was looked at but no further action was taken due to the inconclusive nature of the video evidence.
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Worsfold puts Eagles on notice

April 14th 2009 05:08
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold has declared player's careers are on the line if they don't put in a more committed effort against the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

Worsfold put the crushing 97-point loss to St Kilda down to poor mental attitude and while he acknowledged there had been some good performers in the side, he also said every player was guilty of some poor efforts at times.

"Most of it was a mental lapse, no doubt about that," Worsfold said on Tuesday.

"It certainly showed that with a poor attitude and if you're not as good as the Saints, if your squad's not as up and going and if your attitude's poor, you're going to get thumped."

"They were totally aware St Kilda were a pretty hard side in close, were going to put a lot of pressure on us and believed that they were ready for that challenge."

"But for whatever reason across the board, our work rate was down, our ability to take good decisions was well down, some skill errors just looked like lazy skill errors, so when you put all those things together, a lot of things add up to say the mental attitude was not at the level it needs to be."

Worsfold said he would give the majority of the 22 that played against the Saints a chance to redeem themselves.

"We had a good review of it yesterday [Monday] as a group and individually the players have assessed their own performances and where they could have had more of an impact," he said.

"I've got faith that those guys that played on the weekend are a lot better and a lot tougher than what they showed on the weekend."

But Worsfold also put his players on notice.

"(So) if you see that again as a group or from certain individual players, they're putting their careers at risk," he warned.




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Westhoff placed on long-term injury list

April 14th 2009 04:15
PORT ADELAIDE forward Justin Westhoff will miss at least eight weeks after being placed on the club's long-term injury list.

Port initially expected Westhoff to miss between four and six games after breaking a bone in his left foot in 50-point loss to West Coast at Subiaco Oval in round two but Power football operations manager Peter Rohde said further investigations suggested his recovery time would be significantly longer.

"Westy's had a pin put in his fifth metatarsal, so the view is that it's going to be an eight-week injury," Rohde said,

"The injury wasn't any worse (than we first thought), but when we looked into people who have had a similar injury before, it's actually taken them six weeks before they can even start training again and then they haven't played for seven to eight weeks."

"With Justin being such a tall bloke and his agility being so important to him, we're expecting an eight-week injury at least."

Westhoff's move to the long-term injury list comes is more bad news for the Power, who will also be without skipper Dom Cassisi and star veteran Peter Burgoyne when they take on reigning premier Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.

Rohde said the club was in no hurry to replace Westhoff on the senior list.

"We'd like to have the flexibility there to upgrade someone from the rookie list if the opportunity arises," he said.

"We'll wait and see, but at this stage we're not looking to (promote a rookie) in the immediate term."
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Maxwell accepts ban

April 14th 2009 03:49
COLLINGWOOD skipper Nick Maxwell will miss the club's next two matches against Brisbane and Essendon after accepting a two-match ban for rough conduct.

Maxwell was charged with rough conduct against Geelong forward Steve Johnson in the second quarter of Thursday's 27-point loss and because of his previous poor record he could not reduce the two-match sanction with an early plea.

Port Adelaide will be without skipper Domenic Cassisi and star midfielder Peter Burgoyne after the pair accepted their one and two-match bans respectively.

Cassisi was suspended for striking Melbourne's Lynden Dunn while Burgoyne will miss Port's match against Hawthorn and St Kilda after kneeing Aaron Davey .

Only two players will appear before the tribunal on Tuesday night with Collingwood defender Heath Shaw facing a charge of intentionally making contact with umpire Michael Vozzo, while Hawthorn's Campbell Brown will challenge a rough conduct charge.


Shaw was referred directly to the tribunal for his contact with Vozzo in the second quarter of Thursday's clash with the Cats, while Brown will be risking a three-match ban for rough conduct on North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Wells.

In other tribunal news, Geelong's Johnson, St Kilda's Farren Ray and star West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr each accepted $900 fines for minor offences, while Saints ruckman Steven King accepted a reprimand and 70.31 points towards his future record for striking Ashley Hansen.

Sydney midfielder Jarrad McVeigh accepted a $2850 fine for negligently making contact with umpire Stephen McBurney in Saturday's 33-point loss to Brisbane at the Gabba.

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Dangerfield wins nomination

April 14th 2009 03:30
ADELAIDE midfielder Patrick Dangerfield has earned the round three nomination for the NAB Rising Star award.

Dangerfield was among his side's best in the 24-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval on Sunday, collecting 20 disposals and booting one goal in just his fifth AFL match.

The 19-year old, who was recruited from the Geelong Falcons, was selected with pick 10 in the 2007 national draft.

He elected to stay home in Geelong during the 2008 season to complete his year 12 studies.

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Wallace rejects sack talk

April 13th 2009 20:41
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace has dismissed suggestions there is any extra pressure on him or his team following the Tigers' 47-point loss to the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Easter Monday.

The Tigers have now lost their first three matches of the season and face last year's wooden spooners Melbourne next weekend in what is a must-win match for the club.

Wallace knows another loss would spell disaster in a year in which Richmond needs to play finals for the first time since 2001 for him to keep his job.

"Clearly we need to do the next few weeks right - we know that, we understand the situation and we are not running and hiding," a defiant Wallace said at his post-match press conference.

But Wallace, who is in the fifth and final year of his contract, denied there was any extra pressure on him or the team to win.

"In all honesty I don't think so at all. What you've got to do is just stay true to yourselves and get on with what's coming up over the next couple of weeks," Wallace said.

Wallace said most people would have expected his side to be 0-3 given their draw which has seen them play two of last year's top four in Geelong and the Dogs as well as big improvers Carlton.

"We came into the season and we all got the draw four months ago, and you all know where it sits. If I went around the room, I reckon there'd be less than half of you who picked us in one game out of three so far," he said.

"Probably most of you would've thought that we'd be in this situation – certainly some of you would've picked us in round one – but I don't think many have picked us in round two or three.

Wallace also conceded his side doesn't have the skills to match the top teams in the competiton.

"At the moment we're not showing that. . . We've got guys we've brought into the team that have turned the ball over at critical times of matches," he said.

"They have a go - that's a very tough thing as a coach - it's very difficult to come back into the changerooms when you know guys are having an absolute red hot crack for you, but their skill level is not up to it."

Meanwhile, Wallace defended Richard Tambling after the midfielder failed to have an impact in the loss to the Dogs.

Tambling had just one touch up to half-time and finished the match with 12 disposals.

Wallace said there were extenuating circumstances behind Tambling's poor performance

"All I'll say in Richard's defence is that it's been a pretty big 72 hours for him," Wallace said.

"He had the birth of his daughter two evenings ago and got no sleep the day before the game, so he's had a pretty (difficult) run. It's always an emotional time in anyone's life.

"He didn't play in the manner in which he would like to. I don't know whether he was aware, but I heard the reaction of the crowd, and he's got to live with that."

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Ellis in the clear

April 13th 2009 09:58
HAWTHORN has received some good news with defender Xavier Ellis cleared of a serious foot injury after having scans on Monday.

The club initially feared Ellis had broken his foot during the Hawks' 54-point win over the Kangaroos at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

But the Hawks said Ellis just has a strained foot and will be assessed later in the week to determine whether he will be fit for Saturday's clash against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

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Double blow for Pies

April 13th 2009 09:34
COLLINGWOOD has suffered a double blow with star defender Heath Shaw sent to the trinunal for deliberately touching field umpire Michael Vozzo while skipper Nick Maxwell is facing a three-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Geelong's Steve Johnson.

Maxwell can accept a two-match suspension if he pleads guilty but faces a three-match ban if he unsuccessfully challenges the charge, which was ruled as intentional by the match review panel.

Meanwhile, Johnson was charged with pinching Collingwood defender Harry O'Brien but he can accept a $900 fine.

Port Adelaide could be without skipper Domenic Cassisi and star midfielder Peter Burgoyne for their clash against Hawthorn.

Cassisi was charged with a level four striking offence on Melbourne's Lynden Dunn but because of his previous clean record he can accept a one-match ban but faces a two-match suspension if he unsuccessfully challenges at the tribunal on Tuesday night.

Burgoyne was charged with kneeing Melbourne's Aaron Davey but because of the fact he has 93.75 carry-over points already means he was hit with an initial three-match suspension or just two if he pleads guilty and receives the 25 percent discount.

Hawthorn defender Campbell Brown was charged with engaging in rough conduct against North Melbourne midfielder Daniel Wells.

Brown's past record meant he received an extra week. He can accept a two-match suspension or risk a three-match ban by challenging the charge.

St Kilda received some good news with star duo Nick Dal Santo and Justin Koschitzke cleared while Steven King can escape with a reprimand.

King is able to accept a reprimand for striking West Coast forward Ashley Hansen because of his good record while the the striking report against Dal Santo and the contact between Koschitzke and Eagles defender Eric McKenzie were deemed to be incidents below the required impact to constitute a report.

In other tribunal news, St Kilda midfielder Farren Ray was repoted for striking as was Eagles star Daniel Kerr while Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh was also fined for making negligent contact with an umpire.

The match-day report laid against Essendon ruckman David Hille for making contact from front-on against Carlton's Richard Hadley was thrown out as was the match-day report laid against Melbourne's Colin Sylvia for striking Port Adelaide veteran Josh Carr.

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Dogs thump Tigers

April 13th 2009 07:33
THE Western Bulldogs have overcome a sluggish start to thump Richmond by 47 points at Etihad Stadium on Easter Monday.

The Dogs dominated after quarter-time, slamming on 16 goals to five to prevail 16.14 (110) 8.15 (63).

The victory sees the Bulldogs join Geelong and St Kilda as the only unbeaten teams after three rounds while the Tigers have slipped to 0-3, putting more pressure on coach Terry Wallace who is in the fifth and final year of his contract.

Daniel Cross and Lindsay Gilbee won plenty of the football while Shaun Higgins was influential with 24 touches and two goals.

Liam Picken did a superb job on Richmond midfielder Brett Deledio, restricting him to just 16 disposals while Jason Akermanis starred with 23 possessions and four goals.

For Richmond, Shane Tuck racked up a game-high 33 possessions. Nathan Foley (29 disposals) was a busy contributor while Daniel Jackson kept Ryan Griffen to just five touches in the first half.

The Tigers started well, denying the Bulldogs any time or space and hurting them on the rebound with the only three goals of the first term.

The Dogs trailed by 16 points at quarter-time after kicking six straight behinds in the opening stanza but took control of the contest in the second term, slamming on six goals to one to take a 15-point advantage into half-time.

Richmond continually turned the ball over in the second half and were punished by the Dogs with the margin blowing out to 33 points at the 22-minute mark of the third term after Daniel Giansiracusa kicked his second.

The contest appeared to be well and truly over but Richmond hit back with late goals from Tuck and Mitch Morton to give themselves a sniff heading into the final change with the Bulldogs holding a 21-point advantage.

It was the Akermanis show early in the final term, the former Lion at his electrifying best as he booted three goals in the first six minutes to put the result beyond doubt.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 0.6, 6.11, 10.13, 16.14 (110)
RICHMOND: 3.4, 4.8, 7.10, 8.15 (63)

GOALS: Bulldogs: Akermanis 4, Johnson 2, Higgins 2, Giansiracusa 2, Hahn, Minson, Morris, Hill, Gilbee, Cooney
Richmond: White 2, Brown, Riewoldt, Morton, Tuck, Foley, Richardson
BEST: Bulldogs: Gilbee, Akermanis, Higgins, Cross, Picken, Morris, Addison, Lake
Richmond: Foley, Tuck, Jackson, Rance, McGuane, Newman
INJURIES: Bulldogs: Nil
Richmond: Nil
UMPIRES: M Nicholls, Schmitt, Chamberlain
REPORTS: Bulldogs: Picken reported for striking Deledio in the second quarter
CHANGES: Bulldogs: Harbrow replaced in selected side by Tiller
CROWD: 46,261 at Etihad Stadium
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Hale cleared of serious injury

April 13th 2009 02:38
NORTH MELBOURNE big man David Hale has been cleared of any serious injury following his collision with teammate Lachlan Hansen and Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead during Sunday's clash at Etihad Stadium.

Hale was knocked unconscious in the second quarter clash and was taken to Melbourne's Epworth Hospital.

But North Melbourne media manager Heath O'Loughlin said on Monday that Hale only spent a couple of hours in hospital under observation before being given the all-clear.

"He had scans and there were no neck injuries so it was just concussion," he said.

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Round three preview: Western Bulldogs v Richmond

April 12th 2009 15:24
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Monday 13 April, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 142: Bulldogs 65, Richmond 75, Drawn 2

LAST TIME: Richmond 20.10 (130) drew with Western Bulldogs 19.16 (130), Round 5, 2008 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Richmond had lost four in a row against the Western Bulldogs before last year’s draw in round five.

FORM: The Western Bulldogs backed up their 63-point demolition of Fremantle at Subiaco Oval in round one with a hard-fought 15-point victory over the Kangaroos in wet conditions at the MCG. Richmond was thumped to the tune of 83 points by Carlton in round one before nearly upsetting Geelong at Skilled Stadium. The Tigers led by one point heading into the final change after an eight-goal third quarter but the Cats steadied and prevailed by 20 points.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Bulldogs are nearly at full strength with classy forward Robert Murphy the only notable absentee. Murphy is expected to miss at least another week after undergoing knee surgery in the pre-season. The Tigers welcome back midfielder Richard Tambling from a hamstring injury but former Eagle Ben Cousins (hamstring) will miss at least another two weeks while Kane Johnson (knee), Trent Cotchin (Achilles) and defender Andrew Raines (knee) are sidelined indefinitely.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Liam Picken vs. Brett Deledio
Deledio was among his side’s best in the loss to Geelong, finishing the match with 30 possessions, one goal and five inside 50’s.

The last time these two sides met in round five last year Deledio was influential, helping himself to 24 touches and two goals.

Deledio is damaging with his ability to break the lines and kick goals.

The Bulldogs will be keen to shut down his run and prevent him from pumping the football inside 50 to the likes of Matthew Richardson, Nathan Brown, Mitch Morton and Jack Riewoldt.

Picken delivered in his first game for the club after being elevated to the senior list, restricting North Melbourne skipper Brent Harvey to just 18 possessions and one inside 50.

Expect Picken to be given the task of tagging Deledio on Monday in what will be a pivotal duel.

If the 22-year-old is able to contain Deledio it will go a long way towards securing the four points for the Bulldogs as the Tigers will struggle to match the Dogs in a shootout without his run and carry.

Dale Morris vs. Matthew Richardson

Richardson likes playing against the Bulldogs - he has booted 28 goals in his past seven matches against the Dogs.

The Dogs will need to quell his influence on the contest if they are going to continue their unbeaten start to the season.

Morris, who is often forced to fight out of his weight division, has the tank to run with Richardson and will most likely be given first crack at the 34-year-old.

For the likes of Richardson to have an impact the Tigers will need to be precise with their use of the football otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by arguably the most skilled side in the competition.

Daniel Jackson vs. Adam Cooney

In the round five clash between these two sides last year Cooney racked up only 19 possessions, which is well down on the 25.5 disposals per game he averaged in 2008.

But he made his possessions count, booting one goal and pumping the football inside 50 on seven occasions.

Like Deledio, Cooney is a goal kicking midfielder that breaks the lines.

If the Tigers are going to be any chance of containing a Bulldogs outfit that was the second most attacking side in the competition last season they will need to negate the drive that Cooney provides.

Expect Jackson, who has tagged Carlton skipper Chris Judd and Geelong midfielder Joel Selwood this season, to be given the task of running with Cooney.

While it is vital that Jackson pays close attention to Cooney, he can’t be reactive.

The 22-year-old, who racked up 25 possessions in the loss to Geelong, still needs to win his own football and make Cooney accountable.

Chris Newman vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson was instrumental in his side’s win over the Kangaroos, racking up 22 possessions and booting three goals.

The Bulldogs skipper is very creative and can hurt sides with his ability to not only kick goals but also set up scoring opportunities for his teammates - he was ranked 13th in the AFL for total goal assists last season.

Newman is good overhead for his side and looms as the obvious candidate to match-up on Johnson in what shapes as being a crucial contest.

The Tigers are ranked 11th in the AFL for tackles per game - they will need to lift their work rate on Monday and deny the Bulldogs the use of the corridor otherwise their midfield will cut them to shreds and provide Johnson and co. with silver service.

VERDICT: Richmond showed plenty of spirit in the loss to the Cats but honourables losses won’t help them secure a finals berth that so many fans are expecting in 2009. They need to start winning games if they are going to feature in September action for the first time since 2001 but their chances of opening their account on Monday appear to be slim with the Bulldogs simply having too much class and skill all over the ground for a Richmond side that tends to go missing for periods and turns the ball over at crucial times. Bulldogs by 27 points.

WESTERN BULLDOGS v RICHMOND
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Jarrod Harbrow, Brian Lake, Dale Morris
HB: Lindsay Gilbee, Tom Williams, Ryan Hargrave
C: Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen, Nathan Eagleton
HF: Josh Hill, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Adam Cooney, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Matthew Boyd, Shaun Higgins
I/C (from): Dylan Addison, Daniel Giansiracusa, Liam Picken, Callan Ward

No Changes

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Jake King
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Matt White, Shane Tuck, Daniel Jackson
HF: Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Brett Deledio
F: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Richard Tambling
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Tom Hislop, Nathan Foley
I/C (from): Alex Rance, Jay Schulz, Shane Edwards, Angus Graham

In: Richard Tambling
Out: Nahas

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Leuenberger to undergo scans

April 12th 2009 11:52
BRISBANE ruckman Matthew Leuenberger could be sidelined for up to three months after suffering a knee injury in the Lions' 33-point win over Sydney at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Leuenberger, who injured his left knee at the three-minute mark of the first term returned to play out the match but will still undergo scans on Monday to determine the extent of the injury.

Brisbane coach Michael Voss said there was a chance the 20-year-old could require surgery.

"The best-case scenario is he's just pinched it," Voss said.

"I guess the worst-case scenario is that he's torn it badly and they'll have to repair it, so it might be three months."

"We're sort of hoping that it only just needs a little clean-up which will be about four weeks."


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Players won't be rushed back, says Bailey

April 12th 2009 11:24
MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey said he won't be rushing key players back into the line-up despite his side's 0-3 start to the season.

Russell Robertson and Matthew Whelan played in the VFL this weekend and lively small forward Austin Wonaeamirri is set to return from a hamstring injury next week.

Bailey said his injured players needed to regain match fitness before being considered for selection in the senior side.

"You bring a guy like Robbo who played about 55 per cent last week, I think he was going to play 75 per cent this week so he's got to play a couple of really full games," he said.

"He's moving very well Russell and that's what we are seeing at training and playing."

"(But) we are not going to get caught into 'Gee this is great to have these two blokes - let's throw them in because it looks good, they've got to play a few games and they are aware of that."

Bailey also said there were plenty of positives to take from the Demons' 57-point loss to Port Adelaide and that he was confident his young side is heading in the right direction.

"We got some more experience into our 22-year-old ruckmen in (John) Meesen, we got some experience into Jamie Bennell, he went forward, we had him on the wing, we used him down back so we are spreading his experience," he said.

"Neville Jetta, a couple of times had the ball in his hand and I think with a little more experience we would've got something out of his kicking inside 50."

"The thing I can say about our players is they are committed to improvement. There is no question about that, their attitude has been fantastic given last year, the preseason has been very good, their application has been first class, I hope they get reward for their effort and I can see that coming."

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We lacked effort: Laidley

April 12th 2009 11:11
NORTH MELBOURNE coach Dean Laidley has blasted the commitment of his players and said he was unsure whether or not the difficult week off the field had affected his side.

The Kangaroos were embroiled in controversy after an inappropriate video made by several players - including former skipper Adam Simpson and defender Daniel Pratt - found its way onto YouTube.

Speaking after his side's 54-point loss to reigning premiers Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, Laidley said there were no signs during the week that his players weren't focused.

"I see how they train, I counsel during the week. They trained really well, the spirit within the football club, they were upbeat all week. We went about our business like we usually do," he said.

"There was some pretty heavy criticism, I suppose, particularly on a couple of the boys."

"It's going to take a toll, as to what extent, I'm not too sure. I'm not a psychologist, even though I try to be.”

Laidley said the Roos failed to put in the required effort against a Hawthorn side that was missing key players in Robert Campbell, Simon Taylor, Jordan Lewis, Michael Osborne, Brad Sewell and Rick Ladson.

"We need to speak to the players as a group behind closed doors because it can’t go on, it can't go on and something has to break somewhere," he said.

Laidley also lamented his side's lack of commitment and poor use of the football.

"It probably comes down to work rate. They just worked much, much, much harder than us," he said.

"We couldn't hit the side of a barn. Some of our kicking was appalling. We have to work on that."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Kangaroos
   


Crows down Dockers

April 12th 2009 10:44
ADELAIDE has recorded a valuable win away from home, downing Fremantle by 24 points in an error-riddled contest at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The Crows took control of the contest in the second quarter and withstood several challenges from the Dockers to prevail 15.14 (104) to 11.14 (80).

The loss sees Fremantle slip to 0-3 and they could be winless after the first month of the season with their next match against a red-hot St Kilda side at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

Some of the gloss was taken off the win for Adelaide with utility Scott Stevens being taken off on a stretcher late in the second term after being crunched in a marking contest by Fremantle’s Luke McPharlin.

Adelaide had 10 individual goal kickers for the match - Jason Porplyzia the most effective with four goals while classy youngster Taylor Walker chimed in with three valuable majors.

Nathan van Berlo, Scott Thompson, Brent Reily and Bernie Vince were all busy contributors in the middle, racking up 20-plus possessions while Patrick Dangerfield generated plenty of run with 20 disposals and one goal.

For Fremantle, Paul Hasleby (28 disposals, one goal) tried hard all day. Michael Johnson was busy in defence with 26 touches. Stephen Hill showed some promising signs while Matthew Pavlich booted three goals.

The Dockers dominated general play early and had 10 of the first 13 entries inside 50 but they failed to make the most of their good work around the ground, booting a wasteful 3.5 for the term to take a 14-point lead into quarter-time.

Kicking with the aid of the breeze in the second quarter, the Crows booted five unanswered goals to take a handy 18-point advantage into half-time.

Fremantle struggled to penetrate Adelaide’s zone in the second term and they continually broke down across half-forward - the Dockers entered inside 50 just four times for the quarter.

A major from Hill saw Fremantle close to within ten points six minutes into the third term but the Crows hit back through Porplzyia and Tyson Edwards to skip out to a 22-point lead.

David Mundy kicked truly to keep the Dockers in the contest but a clever snap from van Berlo saw the margin blow out to 25 points at the 22-minute mark of the third term.

It looked as if the Crows were going to run away with the match but the Dockers found another gear and trailed by just 12 points heading into the final change thanks to late goals from Paul Hasleby and Byron Schammer.

Fremantle came out firing in the final term, slamming on the first three goals of the quarter to take the lead.

But their lead was short-lived with Andrew McLeod kicking a brilliant goal on the run from outside 50 three minutes later to level the scores.

Walker and Porplyzia then stepped up, booting two goals apiece in the last quarter to help lift the Crows to their second win of the season.

FREMANTLE: 3.5, 3.7, 7.12, 11.14
(80)
ADELAIDE: 1.3, 6.7, 9.12, 15.14 (104)
GOALS: Fremantle: Pavlich 3, Crowley, Hinkley, Hill, Hasleby, Schammer, Tarrant
Adelaide: Porplyzia 4, Walker 3, Symes, Gill, Tippet, Douglas, Edwards, van Berlo,
BEST: Fremantle: Hasleby, Johnson, Pavlich, Hill
Adelaide: Porplyzia, Edwards, Walker, Vince, van Berlo, Thompson, Reilly, Dangerfield
INJURIES: Fremantle: Hill (dislocated finger)
Adelaide:
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Margetts, Wenn, Keating
CROWD: 30,035 at Subiaco
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Hawks hammer Roos

April 12th 2009 07:42
HAWTHORN has kick-started its premiership defence with a 54-point demolition of North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

Key forwards Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin combined for nine goals to help lift their side to a 19.9 (123) to 10.9 (69) victory.

The Roos entered inside their forward 50 just three fewer times than Hawthorn but their lack of a marking target proved to be costly.

The win may have came at a cost for the Hawks with defender Xavier Ellis injuring his foot in the first term.

The loss was made worse for the Kangaroos with David Hale knocked unconscious shortly before half time after colliding with the hip of teammate Lachlan Hansen. He was carried off on a stretcher and taken to Epworth Hospital for precautionary scans.

Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell bounced back from a disappointing game against Sydney with 37 possessions and one goal while Brent Guerra was influential with a game-high 38 possessions.

Brendan Whitecross generated plenty of run from defence with 29 quality disposals while Jarryd Morton showed he is a player of the future with 28 touches and two goals.

For the Kangaroos, former skipper Adam Simpson put a controversial week behind him to rack up 28 touches. Brady Rawlings finished with a team-high 35 disposals while Hamish McIntosh battled hard in the ruck.

The Hawks started slowly and didn’t manage their first goal of the match until the 13-minute mark of the opening quarter.

Despite the perfect conditions the Kangaroos managed only two goals for the term and found themselves trailing by 12 points at quarter-time after two late goals from Franklin.

The Roos started the second term brightly, kicking the first two goals of the term to hit the front.

But their lead was short-lived with the Hawks taking control of the midfield as they slammed on six of the last seven goals of the first half.

Roughead and Stuart Dew booted two each for the term to help their side to a handy 29-point lead at half-time.

North got off to the best possible start in the second half, kicking two goals in just three minutes to give themselves a sniff.

But Hawthorn had all the answers, piling on six goals for the term before kicking four more in the final stanza to secure their first win of the season.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.1, 5.5, 8.9, 10.9 (69)
HAWTHORN: 4.1, 10.4, 15.5, 19.9 (123)

GOALS: North: Petrie 2, Thomas 2, Wells, Campbell, Harding, McMahon, Jones, Firrito
Hawthorn: Roughead 5, Franklin 4, Dew 3, Bateman 2, Williams 2, Morton 2, Mitchell
BEST: North: Simpson, Rawlings, Power, McIntosh, Swallow
Hawthorn: Mitchell, Roughead, Guerra, Whitecross, Franklin, Morton, Bateman, Dew
INJURIES: North: Hale (concussion)
Hawthorn: Ellis (ankle)
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Kamolins, Ryan
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 34,893 at Etihad Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Port pummel disappointing Dees

April 12th 2009 06:53
PORT ADELAIDE has celebrated Daniel Motlop’s 100th game with a convincing 57-point win over Melbourne at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Power broke the game open in the second term before cruising to a comfortable 22.15 (147) to 14. 6 (90) victory.

For the third time in as many weeks the Demons faded badly after being in the contest early.

The win was soured somewhat for Port with Peter and Shaun Burgoyne suffering knee injuries while skipper Domenic Cassisi was reported for a crude bump on Lynden Dunn in the final term

The Power had 12 individual goal kickers for the match - former captain Warren Tredrea the most damaging with six while Motlop chimed in with three late goals.

Peter Burgoyne was influential in the middle with a game-high 35 possessions and one goal while Robbie Gray was lively with 31 touches and two majors.

Chad Cornes, Kane Cornes, Steven Salopek and Travis Boak won a lot of the football while Nathan Krakeour generated plenty of run from defence with 28 touches.

For Melbourme, Aaron Davey racked up a team-high 30 possessions in his 100th game. Cameron Bruce (29 disposals, two goals) tried hard all day while Cale Morton was a busy contributor with 28 touches and one goal.

Port jumped out of the blocks, slamming on the first three goals of the match in the opening 14 minutes.

The Power looked set to blow Melbourne away in the opening stanza but the Demons held firm and hit back with majors from Neville Jetta and Brad Green to trail by just eight points at quarter-time.

Melbourne was still well and truly in the match midway through the second term with Port leading by just 12 points.

But through sheer weight of possession the Power were able to break the game open, piling on seven unanswered goals either side of half-time to end the contest.

Port continued to run in waves in the second half and blew the margin out to 61 points at three quarter-time

Melbourne came out firing in the final stanza, kicking three goals in five minutes but their resurgence was quickly halted by a major from Chad Cornes and Tredrea’s sixth.

With the sting well and truly out of the contest, both sides traded goals in a free-flowing last quarter.

The Power will now face reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG next Saturday while the Demons will be seeking their first win of the season when they play Richmond at the home of football next Sunday.

PORT ADELAIDE: 3.3, 10.5, 16,12, 22.15 (147)
MELBOURNE: 2.1,4.4,7.5, 14.6 (90)
GOALS: PORT: Tredrea 6, Motlop 3, Gray 2, C.Cornes 2, Cassisi, Brogan, K.Cornes, Lade, Thomas, Pearce, Carr, Boak, P.Burgoyne
MELBOURNE: Green 3, Bate 2, Bruce 2, Miller 2, Jetta, Moloney, Dunn, Morton, Bennell
BEST: PORT: Tredrea, N. Krakouer, Salopek, P.Burgoyne, Boak, C.Cornes, Pearce, K.Cornes, Brogan
MELBOURNE: Davey, Bruce, Morton, Jones, McLean, Bartram
INJURIES: PORT: S.Burgoyne (knee), P.Burgoyne (knee)
MELBOURNE: Moloney (calf)
REPORTS: Cassisi reported by umpire Kennedy for striking Dunn.
CHANGES: -
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Stewart, Avon
CROWD: TBC at the AAMI STADIUM

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Tigers won't risk Coughlan

April 12th 2009 03:06
THE comeback of Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlhan will be delayed for at least another week after the Tigers named him as an emergency for the Easter Monday clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadiium.

Coughlan has endured a wretched run with injuries, undergoing two knee reconstructions, battling a chronic hamstring injury before undergoing more minor knee surgery during the pre-season.

But the 26-year-old showed last week he isn't far away from playing his first AFL match since mid-2006, racking up 41 possessions and laying ten tackles in a VFL practice match.

The Tigers have made just one change to the side that lost to Geelong last weekend with midfielder Richard Tambling returning from a hamstring injury in place of promoted rookie Robin Nahas.

Nahas is an emergency along with Coughlan and Adam Pattison with the Tigers' finalised interchange bench made up of Alex Rance, Jay Schulz, Angus Graham and Shane Edwards

Meanwhile, the Bulldogs have made no changes to the side that defeated North Melbourne at the MCG last weekend.



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


Fevola hindered by injury

April 12th 2009 02:55
CARLTON star Brendan Fevola has admitted his bruised heel was partly responsible for his poor kicking in front of goal during the Blues' four-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Saturda night.

Fevola was too good for Essendon youngster Darcy Daniher but failed to convert his chances, booting a wasteful 4.7 and one out on the full.

Speaking on Channel Nine's Sunday Footy Show, Fevola said he has not been able to practice his kicking for goal at training in recent weeks because of the injury.

"I haven't done too much goalkicking practice in the past month because I haven't been out on the (training) track so I have just got to try and get myself on the track and try to start kicking straighter," he said.

But Fevola said while his bruised heel had cost him valuable goalkicking practice it was still no excuse for his inaccurate kicking in front of goal.

"My heel is pretty sore but if you put yourself out there to play you are 100 percent fit," he said.

Fevola also ruled out missing a match to give his injury a rest.

"It is not going to make any difference whether you play or have a rest," he said.

"I am playing pretty good footy at the minute so it's not bothering me too much - I have just got to kick straighter."

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Loss a reality check: Ratten

April 12th 2009 02:29
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten has accused his side of believing their own hype following their heartbreaking four-point loss to Essendon at the MCG on Saturday night.

Ratten admitted the positive press the Blues had received after starting the season with two wins had been a distraction.

"We were fully aware, I suppose the articles today and the press we had today, we made mention of the focus to make sure we are switched on and these things shouldn't distract us from the job at hand," Ratten said.

"I think they did in the end a little bit but that's footy."

"People enjoy that side of things to get a pat on the back but it is an even competition and you put one foot wrong you get brought back down to earth."

Ratten said the Blues paid dearly for failing to convert their chances in front of goal but refused to pin the blame on spearhead Brendan Fevola who kicked 4.7 and one out on the full.

"Like most games, if you don't make the opposition pay you get burnt the other way and we did," he said.

"A lot of players had their chances to kick goals," Ratten said.

"Brendan, some of his were more difficult than others. I would have loved for him to kick 7.4 rather than the other way around."

Ratten also said the decision to put Fevola on crutches after the game was just precautionary.

"After constant battering we just don't allow him to walk around on it, we just keep him off his foot for about 24 hours," he said.

"It's been something we've done every week, we might keep doing it for another two weeks just to make sure it's right."

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Round three preview: Fremantle v Adelaide

April 11th 2009 17:10
VENUE and TIME: Subiaco Oval, Sunday 12 April, 4:40 pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 22, Fremantle 9, Adelaide 13

LAST TIME: Adelaide 12.16 (88) def Fremantle 10.11 (71), Round 5 2008 at AAMI Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Fremantle has won three of its past five against Adelaide.

FORM: The Dockers are winless in 2009 after being thumped to the tune of 63 points by the Western Bulldogs in round one before going down to Essendon by 38 points in a contest that failed to reach any great heights. Adelaide recorded a shock four-point win over Collingwood at the MCG but then lost to a more committed St Kilda side at home.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Dockers will be without defender Roger Hayden (hamstring) for at least another week while Des Headland (calf) and Chris Mayne (ankle) are sidelined indefinitely. For the Crows, defender Nathan Bock will miss the clash against the Dockers after being suspended indefinitely by the club following an alleged assault on his girlfriend. Key forward Trent Hentschel injured his knee once again in the loss to the Saints and will miss four weeks while midfielder Chris Knights will miss at least three matches with a broken eye socket.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Scott Stevens vs. Matthew Pavlich

Pavlich has been well below his best so far this season, booting just three goals in two games.

The Dockers will need him to fire if they are going to be any chance of recording their first win of the season.

With Bock unavailable, Stevens will be given first crack at the Fremantle skipper in what will be a pivotal contest in determining the outcome of this match.

Last weekend against the Bombers the Dockers had one more entry inside their forward 50 but eight less scoring shots.

If Pavlich is going to have any chance of having an impact he will need his teammates to be cleaner with their use of the football going forward.

Brett Peake vs. Andrew McLeod

Peake has been impressive in his new role as a small forward, booting five goals in two games.

The last time these two sides met in round 19 last year McLeod was influential with a game-high 34 possessions, two goals and six inside 50’s.

With Bock out of the side, the Crows will be relying on the dual Norm Smith medallist to set up their attacking forays forward from the defensive half.

Fremantle will be keen to shut down his creative run and will most likely use Peake in a defensive half-forward role.

The Dockers will need to go through Peake at every available opportunity in a bid to make McLeod accountable.

Ryan Crowley vs. Scott Thompson

Thompson was among his side’s best in the loss to the Saints, racking up 27 disposals and delivering the football inside 50 on four occasions.

The former Demon is damaging with his ability to win plenty of the football and pump it inside 50 - he led the Crows for disposals and was second for inside 50’s in 2008.

Fremantle will need to shut down the drive he provides and will most likely give Crowley the tasking of tagging Thompson.

Crowley has struggled so far this season, averaging just 10.5 disposals per game - well down on the 16 possessions per game he averaged in 2008.

Fremantle will need Crowley to lift and help the Dockers more of the contested football - an area they were soundly beaten in last weekend despite the dominance of ruckman Aaron Sandilands.

Antoni Grover vs. Jason Porplyzia

Porpylzia was his side’s most dangerous forward in the loss to the Saints, booting three goals.

With Hentschel sidelined and Stevens forced to play down back, Adelaide will need Porplyzia to have an impact if they are going to record a valuable win away from home.

Despite standing at just 178cm, Porplyzia is very good overhead so the Dockers may opt to use someone like Grover who is capable of matching him in the air while Steven Dodd is another option for Fremantle coach Mark Harvey.

Porplyzia is the sort of player that can boot three or four goals in a ten-minute burst, so Grover will need to be on his game for the full four quarters and not give the classy Adelaide forward any time or space in which to work his magic.

VERDICT: Fremantle has been very disappointing so far this season but they will fancy their chances of recording their first win of the year against an Adelaide side that has been hit hard by injuries and distracted by the suspension of Bock. The loss of Bock will hurt the Crows and if the Dockers can lift their work rate in the middle and get the football quickly into the forward line Pavlich is capable of having a day out. Dockers by 15 points.

FREMANTLE v ADELAIDE
FREMANTLE
B: Greg Broughton, Michael Johnson, Chris Tarrant
HB: Josh Head, Antoni Grover, Steven Dodd
C: Rhys Palmer, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Daniel Gilmore, Luke McPharlin, Byron Schammer
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Kepler Bradley
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy
I/C (from): Andrew Browne, Stephen Hill, Nic Suban, Zac Clarke, Matthew de Boer, Clayton Hinkley, Dean Solomon

In: Daniel Gilmore, Clayton Hinkley, Greg Broughton
Out: Duffield, Thornton, Browne

New: Greg Broughton (Subiaco).

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty
HB: Andrew McLeod, Scott Stevens, Brad Symes
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson, David Mackay
HF: Brent Reilly, Nick Gill, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Taylor Walker, Tyson Edwards
Foll: Ivan Maric, Nathan van Berlo, Simon Goodwin
I/C (from): Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince, Andy Otten, Jared Petrenko

In: Nick Gill, Scott Stevens, Brad Symes
Out: Bock (suspended), Hentschel (knee), Knights (eye)

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Round three preview: North Melbourne v Hawthorn

April 11th 2009 16:35
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 12 April, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 161: North Melbourne 73, Hawthorn 86, Drawn 2.

LAST TIME: North Melbourne 15.13 (103) d Hawthorn 11.10 (76), Round 13, 2008 at MCG

RECENT HISTORY: North Melbourne has won three of its past four against Hawthorn.

FORM: The Kangaroos defeated last year’s wooden spooners Melbourne in round one before going down to the Western Bulldogs by 15 points in wet conditions at the MCG last weekend. Hawthorn became just the third reigning premier to start their premiership defence with two straight losses after suffering a 38-point loss to Sydney at ANZ Stadium in round two.

MEDICAL ROOM: North are basically at full strength with suspended forward Aaron Edwards and defender Jesse Smith (hamstring) the only notable absentees. The Hawks welcome back defender Stephen Gilham from a knee injury and midfielder Travis Tuck (A/C joint sprain) but ruckman Robert Campbell (hamstring) still remains on the sidelines. Midfielder Jordan Lewis (shoulder), Brad Sewell and key defender Trent Croad (foot) are unavailable while Rick Ladson and Max Bailey are sidelined indefinitely with knee injuries while Michael Osborne (hamstring) is at least two weeks away from being considered for selection.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brady Rawlings vs. Sam Mitchell

Mitchell was restricted to a meagre 13 possessions by Sydney veteran Brett Kirk last weekend.

The Hawthorn skipper rarely has two bad games in a row and the Hawks will need him to lift if they are going to be any chance of recording their first win of the season.

With Sewell and Lewis not in the side due to injury, the onus will be on the likes of Tuck and Mitchell to win the football at the stoppages and get the Hawks going.

When he is on his game Mitchell is arguably one of the best inside midfielders in the competition.

The Kangaroos will want to limit his effectiveness at the stoppages and will give Rawlings the task of tagging Mitchell in what will be a pivotal contest.

Rawlings has claimed some major scalps during his 183-game career and if he is able to keep Mitchell quiet on Sunday it will go a long way towards securing a win for the Roos.

Chance Bateman vs. Brent Harvey

Harvey hasn‘t been at his damaging best so far this season, averaging just 17 disposals in two games.

It is the first time that Harvey has begun a season with two successive games below 20 possessions since 1998.

In 2008 Harvey failed to collect 20 or more possessions in a game on three occasions and never failed to achieve the feat two matches in succession as he has done so far this season.

The Kangaroos skipper will be keen to fire and lead from the front after a controversial week for the club.

Ordinarily Sewell would be given the task of tagging Harvey but with him unavailable the Hawks may opt to use the hard-running Bateman in an attacking run-with role.

Bateman, who has averaged 18 disposals per game so far this season, will need to push forward at every available opportunity and be a goal kicking midfielder for the Hawks as it will force Harvey to be accountable.

Brent Renouf vs. Hamish McIntosh

The Hawks were completely smashed in the middle last weekend with the Swans winning the hit out count 73-29.

With Campbell injured and Simon Taylor still having a week of his suspension to serve, Renouf will once again be forced to do the bulk of the rucking duties against an in-form McIntosh.

The Hawks don’t need Renouf to win the hit-out count but they do need him to create a contest otherwise the Kangaroos midfield led by former skipper Adam Simpson and Harvey will be able to win more of the contested football and provide their forwards with enough quality supply to kick a winning score.

Lachlan Hansen vs. Lance Franklin

Franklin was well below his best in the loss to Sydney, managing just 11 possessions and two goals.

Last year’s Coleman medallist was instrumental in his side’s win over the Kangaroos in round three last year with 14 possessions and four goals.

The Hawks will need a similar performance from Franklin on Sunday if they are going to secure the four premiership points.

Michael Firrito and Josh Gibson have been given the job on Franklin in the past but Hansen has been earmarked as the club’s next centre-half back and will most likely be given the task of matching up on the Hawthorn star.

The Kangaroos are ranked third in the AFL for tackles per game with an average of 65 - they will need to apply immense pressure all over the ground and prevent the Hawks from delivering the football in cleanly inside 50 if they are going to be any hope of containing Franklin and co.

VERDICT: Hawthorn will be desperate to kick-start their premiership defence with a win against North Melbourne but their task won’t be an easy won given that they have lost eight of their past 11 against the Kangaroos and will be without several key midfielders. Sydney’s dominance in the ruck paved the way for their win over the Hawks last weekend. Expect it to be a similar story on Sunday with McIntosh likely to dominate the inexperienced Renouf. Kangaroos by 23 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Daniel Pratt, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Scott McMahon, Lachlan Hansen, Gavin Urquhart
C: Sam Power, Adam Simpson, Jack Ziebell
HF: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells
F: Brent Harvey, David Hale, Matt Campbell
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Leigh Harding, Brady Rawlings
I/C (from): Andrew Swallow, Josh Smith, Corey Jones, Josh Gibson

In: J. Smith, Jones
Out: Daniel Harris, Todd Goldstein

HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Thomas Murphy
HB: Luke Hodge, Campbell Brown, Grant Birchall
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Xavier Ellis
HF: Cameron Stokes, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli
F: Stuart Dew, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck, Chance Bateman
I/C (from): Jarryd Morton, Garry Moss, Ryan Schoenmakers, Brendan Whitecross

In: Stephen Gilham, Travis Tuck.
Out: Kennedy, Thorp

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Round three preview: Port Adelaide v Melbourne

April 11th 2009 15:34
VENUE and TIME: AAMI Stadium, Sunday 12 April, 1.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 18, Port Adelaide 10, Melbourne 8

LAST TIME: Port Adelaide 18.21 (129) def Melbourne 7.9 (51), Round 21, 2008 at AAMI Stadium.

RECENT HISTORY: Port Adelaide has won five of its past six against Melbourne.

FORM: Port Adelaide kicked off their season with a solid 41-point win over Essendon but were then brought back to earth by a West Coast side that thumped them to the tune of 50 points at Subiaco Oval last weekend. Melbourne is winless in 2009 but they were competitive early in their losses to the Kangaroos and Collingwood before fading badly late.

MEDICAL ROOM: Port will be without forward Justin Westhoff (broken foot) for four to six weeks. For the Demons, skipper James McDonald (hamstring) will miss while Simon Buckley (groin) and young midfielder Jack Grimes (back) are at least a week away from being considered for selection. Daniel Bell (thumb) and small forward Austin Wonaeamirri (hamstring) will miss another two weeks while ruckman Mark Jamar (foot) is five weeks away from playing.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Kane Cornes vs. Aaron Davey

Davey was his side’s most damaging player in the loss to the Magpies with 31 possessions.

The 25-year-old made his disposals count, delivery at an efficiency rate of 97 per cent.

Port will be keen to limit his effectiveness in the middle and shut down his run and will most likely give Cornes the task of Davey who will be keen to play well in his 100th AFL match.

Cornes, who racked up a team-high 30 possessions in the loss to the Eagles, will try and hurt Davey going the other way.

But for that to happen Cornes will need to use the ball a lot better - he and the majority of his teammates butchered the football in the loss to the Eagles.

Clint Bartram vs. Shaun Burgoyne

Burgoyne likes playing against Melbourne - he has earned three Brownlow medal votes in his past two matches against the Demons.

The youngest of the Burgoyne brothers is damaging with his ability to break the lines, kick goals and also create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

If Melbourne is going to be any chance of recording a rare win against the Power they will need to keep him quiet.

Bartram has been given some major tagging roles during his short career and looms as the obvious candidate to run with the classy Port Adelaide midfielder.

It is vital for the Demons that Bartam doesn’t give Burgoyne any time or space as he will punish them with his pace and ability to use the football cleanly.

James Frawley vs. Daniel Motlop

Motlop was the only shining light for the Power in the loss to the Eagles - the classy forward booting four of his side’s 10 goals.

The last time these two sides met in round 16 last year Motop starred, collecting 16 possessions and booting five goals in his side’s tconvincing 78-point win.

Motlop will be keen to put in a similar performance on Sunday in what will be his 100th AFL game.

Frawley is an athletic defender who is strong overhead - he will most likely be given first crack at Motlop in what will be a pivotal contest.

Expect Frawley, who has averaged 17 possessions per game so far in 2009, to run off Motlop at every available opportunity and try and punish him on the rebound.

Paul Johnson/John Meesen vs. Brendon Lade/Dean Brogan

The Demons big men were completely outclassed by Collingwood ruckman Josh Fraser last weekend and they will face another tough task on Sunday when they go against Lade and Brogan who returns after serving a one-match ban.

Johnson and Meesen will need to provide more of a contest and at least try and nullify the effectiveness of Lade and Brogan’s taps.

If they fail to apply some body pressure Port’s ruck duo will simply just knock the football down the throat of the likes Danyle Pearce, Kane Cornes and the Burgoyne brothers who will provide Brett Ebert, Warren Tredrea and Motlop with enough quality supply to kick a winning score.

VERDICT: Melbourne has been a lot more competitive in 2009 and will once again battle hard on Sunday but the Power simply have too many match-winners, especially through the midfield. If Port is switched on and uses the football better than they did against West Coast they should punish a Demons outfit that has failed to string together four quarters of consistent football so far this season. Power by 42 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Domenic Cassisi
C: Shaun Burgoyne, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
HF: Robbie Gray, Warren Tredrea, Peter Burgoyne
F: Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop, Brett Ebert
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Travis Boak, Josh Carr, Matt Thomas, Wade Thompson.

In: Brogan,Thomas, Thompson.
Out: Justin Westhoff (foot), David Rodan, Toby Thurstans

New: Wade Thompson (North Adelaide)

MELBOURNE
B: Lydnen Dunn, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Brock McLean
C: Jamie Bennell, Aaron Davey, Clint Bartram
HF: Matthew Bate, Colin Sylvia, Cale Morton
F: Brad Miller, Ricky Petterd, Brent Moloney
Foll: Paul Johnson, Cameron Bruce, Brad Green
I/C (from): John Meesen, Kyle Cheney, Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta.

In: Meesen, Dunn.
Out: McDonald (hamstring), Spencer
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Lions end Swans hoodoo

April 11th 2009 14:49
BRISBANE has recorded its first win over Sydney since 2004, downing the Swans by 33 points in wet conditions at the Gabba on Saturday night.

Four goals apiece to key forwards Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw set up the 15.10 (100) to 9.13 (67) victory.

The loss was made worse for the Swans with veteran Jared Crouch suffering a hamstring injury in the second term.

Sydney was able to keep Brisbane’s midfield stars in Luke Power, Simon Black and Travis Johnstone relatively quiet, with the trio racking up 16 possessions or less.

But they were unable to contain the Lions’ lesser likes with Jed Adcock, Bradd Dalziell and Troy Selwood winning plenty of the football.

Josh Drummond was damaging with 25 disposals, 11 marks and one goal while Joel Patfull restricted Sydney star Adam Goodes to just 18 possessions.

For the Swans, Darren Jolly tried hard all night and finished with 46 hit-outs and two goals while Barry Hall chimed in with three majors.

Sydney dominated general play early but failed to apply any scoreboard pressure with Brown kicking the first goal of the match.

Brisbane’s willingness to kick the ball long paid dividends as they kicked a further three majors for the term to take a handy 20-point lead into quarter-time.

The Swans closed to within eight points in the second quarter thanks to goals from Hall and Brett Meredith who kicked truly from outside 50.

Brisbane responded with six of the last seven goals of the first half with a freakish check side goal from Justin Sherman the highlight as the Lions took a commanding 37-pont lead into the main break.

When Bradshaw kicked his third early in the third term it looked as if the contest was well and truly over.

But the Swans refused to give in and slowly worked their way back into the contest.

They trailed by just 29 points heading into the final change but could have been closer if they hadn’t let themselves down with some poor kicking in front of goal.

Martin Mattner had a chance to get his side to within four goals in the final stanza but he failed to convert on the run.

It proved to be a costly miss with Daniel Rich kicking truly from 50m before Sherman sealed the win for the Lions with his third.

BRISBANE LIONS: 4.4, 10.6, 12.9, 15.10 (100)
SYDNEY SWANS: 1.2, 4.5, 7.10, 9.13 (67)
GOALS: Brisbane Lions: Brown 4, Bradshaw 4, Sherman 3, Drummond, Notting, Adcock, Rich
Sydney Swans: Hall 3, Jolly 2, Barlow, White,
Meredith, Moore
BEST: Brisbane Lions: Adcock, Drummond, Brown, Selwood, Dalziell, Bradshaw
Sydney Swans: J.Bolton, Shaw, Bird, Jolly, Richards, Bevan
INJURIES: Brisbane Lions: Nil
Sydney Swans: Crouch (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Notting (Brisbane Lions) replaced Hooper in the selected side. Barlow (Sydney Swans) replaced Ablett in the selected side
UMPIRES: H.Ryan, Meredith, McInerney
CROWD: 24,984 at the Gabba
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Lloyd inspired Bombers upset Blues

April 11th 2009 13:09
ESSENDON skipper Matthew Lloyd has inspired the Bombers to a thrilling four-point win over Carlton in a classic contest at the MCG on Saturday night.

Lloyd pulled down ten marks and kicked five goals to help lift his side to a 17.14 (116) to 16.16 (112) victory.

The victory is Essendon’s fourth in a row over Carlton and denied the Blues the chance of starting the season with three straight wins for the first time since 1995.

Some of the gloss was taken off the win for the Bombers with ruckman David Hille reported in the second term for making head-high contact on Carlton's Richard Hadley.

Brent Stanton was influential with a team-high 26 possessions and two goals. Andrew Lovett generated plenty of run with 21 touches while Jobe Watson was a busy contributor with 20 disposals and one goal.

For the Blues, skipper Chris Judd led from the front with a game-high 33 disposals while spearhead Brendon Fevola booted a wasteful 4.7.

Carlton dominated general play in the first term but failed to translate it onto the scoreboard, kicking a wayward 4.6 for the quarter to take a 20-point lead into quarter-time.

Fevola was the chief offender in front of goal, booting three behinds for the term.

When Fevola kicked the first of the second term the margin was out to 27 points and it appeared as if the Blues were on course for a big win.

But the Bombers lifted their rating and hit back with six of the next nine goals to take a two-point advantage into half-time.

The third term saw both sides enjoy periods of dominance with the Dons kicking three of the first four goals of the quarter to skip out to a 13-point lead before the Blues hit back with four of their own.

Essendon was trailing by seven points 26 minutes into the third quarter when the pendulum swung again.

Lloyd was awarded a free-kick in directly in front after a front-on challenge from Blues defender Bret Thornton.

After Lloyd’s goal Thornton bumped Alwyn Davey to the ground. Thornton was made to pay for his lack of discipline with Davey kicking truly.

Paddy Ryder then added another before a late goal from Simon Wiggins got the Blues to within six points heading into the final change.

The contest was still well and truly alive entering the final minute of the match after young ruckman Sam Jacobs slotted one home to reduce the deficit to three points.

David Hille had a chance to seal the win for the Bombers but shot on the run hit the post.

Carlton mounted one last challenge but the Dons held firm to record a memorable victory.

CARLTON: 4.6, 8.6, 13.13, 16.16 (112)
ESSENDON: 1.4, 7.10, 15.7, 17.14 (116)
GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 4, Betts 2, Houlihan 2, Murphy 2, Wiggins 2, Garlett, Grigg, Jacobs, Russell
Essendon: Lloyd 5, Davey 2, Dempsey 2, Lucas 2, Stanton 2, Monfries, Ryder, Skipworth, Watson
BEST: Carlton: Judd, Stevens, Fevola, Wiggins, Houlihan, Murphy
Essendon: Lloyd, Watson, Lovett, Monfries, Stanton, Davey
INJURIES: Carlton: TBC
Essendon: TBC
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Quinn (Essendon - virus) replaced in selected side by Nash
UMPIRES: Donlon, McLaren, Mollison
CROWD: 70,411 at the MCG
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Eagles 'embarassing': Worsfold

April 11th 2009 09:04
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold has labelled his side's performance in the 97-point loss to St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Saturday as unacceptable, hurtful and embarrassing.

Worsfold said his side went into the clash with some confidence after their 50-point win over Port Adelaide in round two.

But the Eagles were completely outclassed in all facets of the game by a more committed Saints outfit.

"We were beaten in all facets of the game - possessions, winning the ball, intensity, run, inside-50s," Worsfold said at his post-match media conference.

"The scoreboard really reflected pretty accurately how far behind St Kilda we were."

"It was very hurtful, very embarrassing and disappointing - those sorts of losses are unacceptable to that degree."

Worsfold also said his players were 'mentally weak' and challenged them to show that they want to remain with the club.

"If there's players that for whatever reason didn't deserve to be wearing the Eagles jumper next week then they won't be," he said.

"There were certainly occasions today when players didn't go as hard at a contest as we expected them to do - they didn't put everything on the line."

"They've got to look their team-mates in the eye regarding that."

"If they can't, then they should ask not to play for us (but) if they believe they can overcome it, then they should stand up and say, 'I let you down but I can fight back'."

"I'm angry at myself, I'm angry at the players for letting each other down."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Former Hawk dies

April 11th 2009 07:36
FORMER Hawthorn and Brisbane player and respected documentary maker Robert Dickson has died in a car crash while in South Africa.

Dickson's five-year-old son Byron was also killed in the accident.

The 45-year-old played 19 matches for the Hawks and Bears from 1988 to 1991.

His most recent documentary, The Essence of the Game, which depicted the inner workings of football clubs from grass roots to the elite level, was broadcast on the eve of the AFL season.

Dickson also produced and directed The Passion to Play in 2001 and Shane Crawford Exposed in 2004.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou paid tribute to a personal friend.

"He was a wonderful film-maker but above all he was a wonderful person who brought enormous empathy to what he was doing, whether it was filming a NAB Auskick clinic or (Hawthorn captain) Sam Mitchell standing in the middle of the MCG savouring a premiership medal," Demetriou said.

"He was a friend to so many of us at the AFL and in the wider football world I don't think there is one person at any level of the game who has met him who was not the better for being in his company because he was so passionate about life and our game."

"He was one of those rare people who could capture on film the passion and beauty of the game and to articulate in images exactly what we all love about the game but struggle to be able to put into words."

Hawthorn president Jeff Kennett said the club was shattered by the news.

"Rob was a very creative individual and well known in the AFL and particularly the Hawthorn family," Kennett said.

"He has done some wonderful work and that will forever be a tribute to his professionalism."

"Our condolences go out to his broader family and our thoughts are with his wife Dusty and son Gabriel as they continue to be treated in hospital for injuries sustained in the accident and come to terms with the loss of their father, husband, brother and son."

Dickson's brother Don described him as a 'shining light'.

"Rob was a wonderful brother, a wonderful son and father to his boys. He just achieved so much in his life as a footballer, as a contestant on Australian Survivor and with his film production work - and also as a loving and kind father," he said.

"He was really just a shining light."

"From an early age everything he turned his hand to he was sensational at, but above all he was such a wonderful person who we loved so much."

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Saints smash Eagles

April 11th 2009 07:24
ST KILDA remains unbeaten in 2009 after thumping West Coast to the tune of 97 points at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Saints set up the win with a dominant second term before eventually prevailing 25.11 (161) to 9.10 (64).

St Kilda’s pressure was relentless as they continually forced the Eagles into turnovers and punished them on the rebound.

They had 15 individual goal kickers for the match - Brendon Goddard, Justin Koschitzke and Stephen Milne the most effective with four each.

Leigh Montagna generated plenty of run through the middle with a game-high 31 possessions. Nick Dal Santo overcame a sluggish start to finish with 31 touches while Clinton Jones (25 touches, 14 tackles and one goal) did a good job on West Coast star Daniel Kerr.

For the Eagles, Kerr (27 disposals) tried hard all day but lacked his usual effectiveness. Dean Cox was a busy contributor with 24 touches, nine marks and 27 hit-outs while Matt Priddis won plenty of the football but failed to hurt the Saints with his disposals.

Goddard caused all sorts of headaches for the Eagles in the first term, booting his side’s first four goals inside the first 23 minutes of the match to help give the Saints a 16-point lead at quarter-time.

West Coast got the first goal of the second term through Mark LeCras but from that moment on it was all St Kilda.

The Saints locked down their opponents and moved the football through the middle as they slammed on 10 goals for the term to take a match-winning 63-point lead into half-time.

Ross Lyon’s men shared the load in the second quarter with eight different Saints kicking goals.

With the result well and truly beyond doubt, the Saints took their foot off the pedal in the third term before steamrolling the Eagles with five unanswered goals in the final stanza.

ST KILDA: 5.2, 15.2, 20.7, 25.11 (161)
WEST COAST: 2.4, 4.5, 9.7, 9.10 (64)
GOALS: St Kilda: Goddard 4, Koschitzke 4, Milne 4, Gardiner 2, Geary, McQualter, Dal Santo, King, Montagna, Gram, Jones, Schneider, Hayes, Riewoldt, Dawson
West Coast: LeCras 3, Hunter 2, McKinley 2, Lynch 2
BEST: St Kilda: Goddard, Montagna, Jones, Dal Santo, Koschitzke, Hayes, Blake
West Coast: Selwood, Priddis, Cox, Kerr, Mackenzie
INJURIES: St Kilda: Nil
West Coast: Nil
REPORTS: Steven King (St Kilda) reported by umpire field Grun for striking Ashley Hansen (West Coast) for striking in the fourth quarter
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Sully, Grun
CROWD: 29,066 at Etihad Stadium

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Round three preview: Brisbane v Sydney

April 10th 2009 17:40
VENUE and TIME: The Gabba, Saturday 11 April, 7.10pm (AEDT)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 38, Brisbane Lions 19, Sydney 18, Drawn 1

LAST TIME: Sydney 17.12 (114) def Brisbane Lions 6.17 (53), Round 22, 2008 at the SCG

RECENT HISTORY: Sydney has won nine of its past 10 matches against Brisbane with the other clash between these two sides during that stretch resulting in a draw in round 20, 2007.

FORM: Brisbane overcame a sluggish start to down West Coast by nine points in round one but were unable to make it back-to-back come-from-behind wins, going down to Carlton by 19 points at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night. Sydney bounced back from a 15-point loss to St Kilda with an impressive 38-point victory over reigning premiers Hawthorn.

MEDICAL ROOM: Brisbane small forward Rhan Hooper will miss the clash against the Swans with an ankle injury while utility Jared Brennan (quad) is at least a week away from being considered for selection. For the Swans, forward Barry Hall has been named despite injuring his groin in the win over the Hawks. Amon Buchanan (calf)), Michael O'Loughlin (ankle) and veteran defender Leo Barry (knee) are all unavailable while impressive youngster Patrick Veszpremi (finger) is at least six weeks away.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brett Kirk vs. Simon Black

Despite missing all of the pre-season, Black managed to have an impact in his first game of the season, racking up 28 touches in the loss to Carlton.

Black is damaging with his ability to win the contested football and use it cleanly by hand.

Limiting Black’s effectiveness at the stoppages will be a key for the Swans if they are going to shut down Brisbane’s running game and turn this contest into a dour struggle.

Like Black, Kirk is highly effective in close and will be given the task of going head-to-head with the 2002 Brownlow medallist.

In two of the last three clashes between these two sides Black has been restricted to just 16 possessions.

If Kirk does a similar job on Black on Saturday night the Swans will come away with the four premiership points.

Troy Selwood vs. Adam Goodes

Goodes was influential in the win over the Hawks with 28 possessions and four goals and looms as the danger man for Brisbane.

The dual Brownlow medallist likes playing against the Lions - he has earned five Brownlow medal votes in the past three matches between these two sides.

If Brisbane is going to be any chance of recording a rare win against the Lions they will need to shut down Goodes who is damaging with his ability to break the lines and kick goals.

Expect Selwood to be given the task of tagging Goodes in what shapes as being a crucial match-up.

Goodes is capable of breaking a game wide open in the space of a quarter so Selwood will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and not give the Swans star any time or space at the stoppages.

Craig Bolton vs. Jonathan Brown

Brown has made a solid start to the season, averaging 16.5 disposals, 7.5 marks and three goals in two games.

But he faces a tough night at the office on Saturday night with Bolton, who kept Hawthorn star Lance Franklin quiet last weekend, to be his opponent.

The last time these two sides met at the Gabba in round three last year the Brisbane skipper was restricted to just 10 possessions and one goal.

Brown has a poor record against Sydney - he averages less goals and possessions against the Swans than any other team bar Adelaide.

If Brown is going to have any impact on Saturday night he will need his teammates to deliver the football better inside 50 than they did against the Blues, otherwise they Lions will be punished on the rebound by the likes of Martin Mattner, Rhyce Shaw and co.

Matthew Leuenberger vs. Darren Jolly

Jolly starred in the Sydney’s win over the Hawks, helping himself to 19 possessions, seven marks, three goals and a staggering 42 hit-outs.

The Lions have dropped veteran ruckman Jamie Charman which means Leuenberger will be forced to go it alone against Jolly.

Brisbane will need Leuenberger to nullify the effectiveness of Jolly’s taps and thus give his midfielders a chance to win the football at the stoppages otherwise the Swans will be able to dictate the tempo of the game.

VERDICT: Brisbane is due for a win over Sydney but they will need to string together four quarters of consistent football if that is going to happen - something they have failed to do so far this season. In last weekend’s win over Hawthorn the Swans had 11 individual goal kickers while the Lions had just six in the loss to the Blues - one of which in Hooper won‘t be playing. Sydney’s even spread of goal kickers and more hardened bodies in the middle should prove to be the difference in what shapes as being a hard-fought contest. Swans by 17 points.

BRISBANE LIONS v SYDNEY SWANS
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Luke Power, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Bradd Dalziell, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Travis Johnstone, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Albert Proud, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tim Notting Cheynee Stiller, Jason Roe, Troy Selwood
Emg: Jamie Charman, Scott Harding.

In: Roe, Notting
Out: Jamie Charman, Rhan Hooper (ankle)

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Kieren Jack
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Nick Malceski
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Ted Richards, Craig Bird
F: Paul Bevan, Barry Hall, Jarred Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Luke Ablett, Jared Crouch, Brett Meredith, Jesse White
Emg: Ed Barlow, Kristin Thornton, Mike Pyke

No changes





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Round three preview: Carlton v Essendon

April 10th 2009 15:16
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday 11 April, 7.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 228, Carlton 117, Collingwood 107, Draws 4

LAST TIME: Essendon 20.16 (136) def Carlton 15.11 (101), Round 13 2008 at the MCG

HEAD TO HEAD: The Bombers have won their past three against Carlton.

FORM: Carlton has won its first two matches of the season for the first time since 2000 after downing Brisbane by 19 points in a high-quality contest at Etihad Stadium last Saturday night. The Bombers bounced back from their 41-point loss to Port Adelaide in round one with an uninspiring 38-point win over Fremantle.

MEDICAL ROOM: Carlton has lost promising young defender Michael Jamison and utility Andrew Walker to shoulder injuries. Jamison is expected to return in the next two to three weeks but Walker’s season appears to be over. Midfielder Andrew Carrazzo (arm) is at least a week away from being considered for selection while former Fremantle ruckman Robbie Warnock (foot) remains on the club’s long-term injury list. For the Bombers, Mark McVeigh (ankle), Sam Lonergan (ankle) and defender Michael Hurley (quadriceps) are at least three weeks away from playing. Brent Prismall (knee), Andrew Welsh (ankle), Scott Gumbleton (back) and Jason Laycock (foot) are sidelined indefinitely.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Dustin Fletcher vs. Brendon Fevola

Fevola looms as the danger man for Essendon given his record against the Bombers in recent times.

The Blues spearhead has kicked seven or more goals in three of the last four matches between these two sides and will head into this clash with plenty of confidence after booting five majors in the win over the Lions.

Fletcher is Essendon’s best and most experienced defender and will be given first crack at Fevola in what shapes as being an intriguing contest.

The 296-game veteran will need support from his midfield if he is going to contain Fevola who is virtually unstoppable on the lead.

The Bombers will need to apply immense pressure all over the ground and prevent the likes of Chris Judd, Marc Murphy and Bryce Gibbs from delivering the football cleanly inside 50.

Bret Thornton vs. Matthew Lloyd

Lloyd has failed to fire so far this season, booting just the one goal in two games.

The Bombers will need their skipper to lift on Saturday night if they are going to be any chance of overcoming a Carlton side on the rise.

With Jamison sidelined you would expect Thornton to line-up on Lloyd while Jarrad Waite is another option for the Blues if Lloyd starts further up the ground.

The Dons don’t need Lloyd to kick a bag but they do need him to chime in with two or three goals and always provide a contest when the football is inside Essendon’s forward line.

If Lloyd can bring the ball to ground it will bring the likes of Alywn Davey and Leroy Jetta - who are dangerous at ground level - into the game.

Matthew Kreuzer vs. David Hille

The last time these two sides met in round 13 last year Hille basically did as he pleased, helping himself to 22 possessions and 37 hit-outs.

Kreuzer has been impressive so far this season, averaging 15 possessions and 21 hit-outs in two games.

Carlton will need him to provide a contest and prevent Hille from giving silver service to the likes of Jobe Watson who will set up Essendon’s runners in Andrew Lovett, Jason Winderlich and co. with his clean use of the football by hand.

If Kreuzer can break even in the ruck it will be a win for the Blues.

Henry Slattery vs. Chris Judd

Judd has been influential in Carlton’s two wins this season and needs to be negated if the Bombers are going to make it four straight wins over the Blues

The former West Coast skipper is damaging with his ability to win the football in close, break the lines and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Slattery has been given the task of tagging some of the competition’s premier midfielders in the past and could well be thrown the challenge of matching up on Judd on Saturday night.

However, Slattery’s lack of pace is a concern and he could be exposed at the stoppages.

With this in mind, the Bombers may opt to use someone like Winderlich in an attacking run-with role.

Winderlich, who was among his side’s best in the win over the Dockers with 27 possessions and two goals, has the ability to hurt Judd going the other way and will force him to be accountable.

VERDICT: The Bombers will head into this match with some confidence given their recent record against the Blues but Carlton simply has too much class through the middle with Bryce Gibbs, Marc Murphy and Judd all in top form. Their midfield should provide Eddie Betts, Fevola and co. with enough quality supply to kick a winning score. Blues by 38 points.

CARLTON v ESSENDON
CARLTON
B: Aaron Joseph, Bret Thornton, Paul Bower
HB: Jordan Russell, Jarrad Waite, Bryce Gibbs
C: Chris Johnson, Shaun Grigg, Marc Murphy
HF: Mitch Robinson, Cameron Cloke, Jeff Garlett
F: Ryan Houlihan, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Richard Hadley, Chris Judd
I/C: Sam Jacobs, Kade Simpson, Nick Stevens, Simon Wiggins
Emg: Steven Browne, Setanta O’hAilpin, Heath Scotland

In: Grigg, Stevens
Out: Michael Jamison (shoulder), Heath Scotland

ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Darcy Daniher, Heath Hocking
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Patrick Ryder, Dustin Fletcher
C: Jason Winderlich, Brent Stanton, Andrew Lovett
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Ricky Dyson
F: Hayden Skipworth, Scott Lucas, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
I/C: Leroy Jetta, Michael Quinn, Tayte Pears, David Myers
Emg: Tom Bellchambers, Jay Nash, Nathan Lovett-Murray

In: Jetta
Out: Adam McPhee (susp)
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Round three preview: St Kilda v West Coast

April 10th 2009 10:52
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 11 April, 2.10pm (AEDT)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 34, St Kilda 13, West Coast 20, Drawn 1

LAST TIME: West Coast 15.13 (103) def St Kilda 12.14 (86), Round 14 2008 at Subiaco Oval

RECENT HISTORY: The Eagles have won five of their past six against St Kilda with two of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: St Kilda is one of only four unbeaten teams after impressive wins over Sydney and Adelaide. West Coast bounced back from a competitive loss to Brisbane in round one with a 50-point demolition of Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval last Sunday.

MEDICAL ROOM: Raphael Clarke (hamstring) and Max Hudghton (calf) are two weeks away from earning a recall while Jack Steven (ankle) is unavailable. For the Eagles, veteran David Wirrpanda, a late withdrawal from the clash against Port, will miss at least one more game with a hamstring strain while defender Beau Wilkes (finger), exciting youngster Nick Naitanui (knee) and Tony Notte (knee) are unavailable. Midfielder Luke Shuey (knee) is sidelined indefinitely while rugged utility Beau Waters (elbow) will miss the remainder of the season.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Steven Baker vs. Daniel Kerr

Kerr was at his damaging best in the win over Port Adelaide with 28 possessions and four goals.

He was particularly influential in the third term, racking up 16 disposals and booting two classy goals to help put the contest beyond the Power.

The Saints will be keen to limit Kerr’s effectiveness at the stoppages and shut down his creative run.

Expect Kerr to be heavily tagged by Baker in what shapes as being a pivotal contest.

Baker won’t give the star West Coast midfielder any time or space - Kerr will need his teammates to provide support and block for him at the stoppages.

Adam Selwood vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo has made a scintillating start to the 2009 season, averaging 31 possessions, five marks and four tackles in two games.

The 25-year-old is damaging with his ability to use the football cleanly and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

If West Coast is going to be any hope of containing St Kilda’s talented forward line they will need to apply immense pressure and prevent the likes of Dal Santo from spotting up targets inside 50.

Selwood played arguably his best game in Eagles colours against the Power last weekend, racking up a game-high 33 possessions - 20 of which came in the first half.

West Coast coach John Worsfold will most likely use Selwood in a run-with role on Dal Santo.

Like he did against the Power, Selwood will need to win his fair share of the football and try and expose Dal Santo’s lack of defensive skills.

Darren Glass vs. Justin Koschitzke

Koschitzke has made an impressive start to the season and was particularly influential in the win over the Crows with 12 possessions, seven marks and four goals.

St Kilda’s last win over the Eagles was in round 12, 2007 - Koschitzke played a key role in that victory, booting four goals.

When Koschitzke fires the Saints invariably win, so stopping him will be a key for West Coast.

Glass appears to be back to his best after struggling with injury in 2008 and will most likely be given first crack at Koschitzke.

St Kilda’s key talls were able to have an impact against their Crows because their teammates were prepared to move the football quickly and kick it long to the square.

They will need to do the same on Saturday and not over possess the football when going forward otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by a West Coast side that has shown in its two games this season that they are prepared to use the corridor.

Michael Gardiner/Steven King vs. Dean Cox

King and Gardiner have formed an impressive ruck combination this season - the Saints are ranked third in the AFL for hit-outs per game with an average of 39.

Cox was forced to do most of the ruck work against Port and naturally showed signs of fatigue as the match wore on.

Last year’s All-Australian ruckman will once again be expected to do most of the rucking duties against the Saints given the non-inclusion of fellow ruckman Mark Seaby.

Quinten Lynch will pinch hit in the ruck and how well he performs in the middle will play a key role in determining the outcome of this match.

If Lynch can at least provide a contest and nullify the effectiveness of Gardiner and King’s taps it will allow Cox to get some rest and be more influential later in the match.

Luke Ball vs. Matt Priddis

When these two sides last met at Etihad Stadium in round 21, 2007, Priddis was influential with a game-high 36 possessions.

Priddis is a clearance machine and the Eagles will need him to have a big game to take the pressure off Kerr.

Like Priddis, Ball is highly effective at winning the contested football and you would expect the pair to go head-to-head in the middle.

Etihad Stadium is relatively small ground which makes winning the clearances even more important.

Whichever of these two players is able to win more of the football at the stoppages and help set up their runners with clean disposal by hand will be on the winning side of the ledger.

VERDICT: West Coast played an attacking brand of football against Port last weekend and they will fancy their chances of recording back-to-back victories given their dominance over the Saints in recent times. But they won’t be given the same amount of time and space that they were last Sunday by a St Kilda side that laid a staggering 88 tackles in the win over Adelaide. If Ross Lyon’s men play with the same level of intensity they showed against the Crows they should get over the line with their key marking targets set to be too much for a developing West Coast backline to contain. Saints by 19 points.

ST KILDA v WEST COAST
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Jason Blake, Zac Dawson
HB: Jarryn Geary, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Jason Gram, Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider
F: Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke, Sam Gilbert
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Clint Jones, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Steven Baker, Andrew McQualter, James Gwilt, Steven King
Emg: Colm Begley, Ben McEvoy, Robert Eddy

No changes

WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Mitch Brown, Tyson Stenglein
C: Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Adam Selwood , Ashley Hansen, Chad Fletcher
F: Adam Hunter, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Chris Masten
I/C: Ryan Davis, Brad Ebert, Brett Jones, Ben McKinley
Emg: Will Schofield, Mark Seaby, Brent Staker

No changes

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AFL Teams: Round Three

April 10th 2009 09:25
2009 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON

ROUND THREE
(all times local)

Saturday April 11
St Kilda v West Coast at Docklands, 2.10pm
Brisbane Lions v Sydney Swans at the Gabba, 7.10pm
Carlton v Essendon at the MCG, 7.10pm

Sunday April 12
Port Adelaide v Melbourne at AAMI Stadium, 12.40pm
North Melbourne v Hawthorn at Docklands, 2.10pm
Fremantle v Adelaide at Subiaco, 2.40pm

Monday April 13
Western Bulldogs v Richmond at Docklands, 2.10pm

ST KILDA v WEST COAST
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Jason Blake, Zac Dawson
HB: Jarryn Geary, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Jason Gram, Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo
HF: Stephen Milne, Nick Riewoldt, Adam Schneider
F: Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke, Sam Gilbert
Foll: Michael Gardiner, Clint Jones, Leigh Montagna
I/C: Steven Baker, Andrew McQualter, James Gwilt, Steven King
Emg: Colm Begley, Ben McEvoy, Robert Eddy

No changes

WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, Eric Mackenzie
HB: Shannon Hurn, Mitch Brown, Tyson Stenglein
C: Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Adam Selwood , Ashley Hansen, Chad Fletcher
F: Adam Hunter, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Chris Masten
I/C: Ryan Davis, Brad Ebert, Brett Jones, Ben McKinley
Emg: Will Schofield, Mark Seaby, Brent Staker

No changes

BRISBANE LIONS v SYDNEY SWANS
BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Luke Power, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Bradd Dalziell, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Travis Johnstone, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Albert Proud, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tim Notting Cheynee Stiller, Jason Roe, Troy Selwood
Emg: Jamie Charman, Scott Harding.

In: Roe, Notting
Out: Jamie Charman, Rhan Hooper (ankle)

SYDNEY SWANS
B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Kieren Jack
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Nick Malceski
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Ted Richards, Craig Bird
F: Paul Bevan, Barry Hall, Jarred Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Luke Ablett, Jared Crouch, Brett Meredith, Jesse White
Emg: Ed Barlow, Kristin Thornton, Mike Pyke

No changes

CARLTON v ESSENDON
CARLTON
B: Aaron Joseph, Bret Thornton, Paul Bower
HB: Jordan Russell, Jarrad Waite, Bryce Gibbs
C: Chris Johnson, Shaun Grigg, Marc Murphy
HF: Mitch Robinson, Cameron Cloke, Jeff Garlett
F: Ryan Houlihan, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Richard Hadley, Chris Judd
I/C: Sam Jacobs, Kade Simpson, Nick Stevens, Simon Wiggins
Emg: Steven Browne, Setanta O’hAilpin, Heath Scotland

In: Grigg, Stevens
Out: Michael Jamison (shoulder), Heath Scotland

ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Darcy Daniher, Heath Hocking
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Patrick Ryder, Dustin Fletcher
C: Jason Winderlich, Brent Stanton, Andrew Lovett
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Ricky Dyson
F: Hayden Skipworth, Scott Lucas, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
I/C: Leroy Jetta, Michael Quinn, Tayte Pears, David Myers
Emg: Tom Bellchambers, Jay Nash, Nathan Lovett-Murray

In: Jetta
Out: Adam McPhee (susp)

PORT ADELAIDE v MELBOURNE
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Domenic Cassisi
C: Shaun Burgoyne, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
HF: Robbie Gray, Warren Tredrea, Peter Burgoyne
F: Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop, Brett Ebert
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C (from): Travis Boak, Josh Carr, Matt Thomas, Wade Thompson.

In: Brogan,Thomas, Thompson.
Out: Justin Westhoff (foot), David Rodan, Toby Thurstans

New: Wade Thompson (North Adelaide)

MELBOURNE
B: Lydnen Dunn, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Brock McLean
C: Jamie Bennell, Aaron Davey, Clint Bartram
HF: Matthew Bate, Colin Sylvia, Cale Morton
F: Brad Miller, Ricky Petterd, Brent Moloney
Foll: Paul Johnson, Cameron Bruce, Brad Green
I/C (from): John Meesen, Kyle Cheney, Nathan Jones, Neville Jetta.

In: Meesen, Dunn.
Out: McDonald (hamstring), Spencer

NORTH MELBOURNE v HAWTHORN
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Daniel Pratt, Scott Thompson, Michael Firrito
HB: Scott McMahon, Lachlan Hansen, Gavin Urquhart
C: Sam Power, Adam Simpson, Jack Ziebell
HF: Lindsay Thomas, Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells
F: Brent Harvey, David Hale, Matt Campbell
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Leigh Harding, Brady Rawlings
I/C (from): Andrew Swallow, Josh Smith, Corey Jones, Josh Gibson

In: J. Smith, Jones
Out: Daniel Harris, Todd Goldstein

HAWTHORN
B: Brent Guerra, Stephen Gilham, Thomas Murphy
HB: Luke Hodge, Campbell Brown, Grant Birchall
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Xavier Ellis
HF: Cameron Stokes, Lance Franklin, Cyril Rioli
F: Stuart Dew, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck, Chance Bateman
I/C (from): Jarryd Morton, Garry Moss, Ryan Schoenmakers, Brendan Whitecross

In: Stephen Gilham, Travis Tuck.
Out: Kennedy, Thorp

FREMANTLE v ADELAIDE
FREMANTLE
B: Greg Broughton, Michael Johnson, Chris Tarrant
HB: Josh Head, Antoni Grover, Steven Dodd
C: Rhys Palmer, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Daniel Gilmore, Luke McPharlin, Byron Schammer
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Kepler Bradley
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy
I/C (from): Andrew Browne, Stephen Hill, Nic Suban, Zac Clarke, Matthew de Boer, Clayton Hinkley, Dean Solomon

In: Daniel Gilmore, Clayton Hinkley, Greg Broughton
Out: Duffield, Thornton, Browne

New: Greg Broughton (Subiaco).

ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Ben Rutten, Michael Doughty
HB: Andrew McLeod, Scott Stevens, Brad Symes
C: Patrick Dangerfield, Scott Thompson, David Mackay
HF: Brent Reilly, Nick Gill, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Taylor Walker, Tyson Edwards
Foll: Ivan Maric, Nathan van Berlo, Simon Goodwin
I/C (from): Kurt Tippett, Bernie Vince, Andy Otten, Jared Petrenko

In: Nick Gill, Scott Stevens, Brad Symes
Out: Bock (suspended), Hentschel (knee), Knights (eye)

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

In: Everitt, Tiller, Welsh
Out: -

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Jake King
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Matt White, Shane Tuck, Daniel Jackson
HF: Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Brett Deledio
F: Mitch Morton, Jack Riewoldt, Richard Tambling
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Tom Hislop, Nathan Foley
I/C (from): Alex Rance, Jay Schulz, Robin Nahas, Mark Coughlan, Shane Edwards, Adam Pattison, Angus Graham

In: Tambling, Pattison, Coughlan
Out: -
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Key Crows in doubt

April 10th 2009 04:43
SEVERAL key Adelaide players are in some doubt for Sunday's clash against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval after a number of mishaps at the team's main training session at AAMI Stadium on Thursday.

Key forward Kurt Tippett and promising youngster Patrick Dangerfield took hits to the head while full-back Ben Rutten complained of a tight abductor.

Scott Stevens, who was a late withdrawal from the side that lost to St Kilda in round two with hamstring soreness, trained well but will be monitored.

Adelaide coach Neil Craig said he is confident all four will play against the Dockers but refused to declare Tippett a certain starter.

"He came back on and trained pretty well but then just started to get a bit of a headache and I think he'll be fine but that will be tomorrow morning before we make a decision on that," Craig said.

"Hopefully he will be because I thought he was on the improve in the way he is playing."

Meanwhile, Nathan Bock trained with the Crows for the first time on Thursday after being suspended indefinitely by the club following an alleged assault on his girlfriend.

Craig said Bock is mentally unfit to play and needed to sort out his life first.

"We need to see as a football club and I, as a senior coach, that Nathan is committed to (counselling and rehabilitation) and not paying lip service to it," Craig said.

"If he pays lip service to it, he won't play for a long period of time at our football club."



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Classy Cats too good for Pies

April 9th 2009 13:14
GEELONG has continued its unbeaten start to the season with a 27-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday night.

The Cats broke the game open in the second term before eventually running out 18.14 (122) to 13.17 (95) winners.

The Magpies had their chances to win but failed to capitalise in front of goal with Leigh Brown, Josh Fraser and Tarkyn Lockyer the chief offenders with three behinds each.

The loss was made worse for the Pies with star defender Heath Shaw reported for making contact with an umpire.

Paul Chapman starred for Geelong with 35 possessions and four goals while Gary Ablett was damaging with a game-high 37 disposals.

James Bartel won plenty of the football while Steve Johnson overcame a slow start to finish the match with 19 touches and three goals.

Collingwood’s expected dominance in the ruck didn’t come to fruition - Mark Blake and Trent West more than matched Fraser as the Cats won the hit-out count 46-24.

For the Pies, Dane Swan (30 possessions) tried hard all night. Scott Pendlebury and Lockyer were busy contributors while promising youngster Dayne Beams continued the impressive start to his career with 21 touches and one goal.

The Magpies started brightly, kicking the first two goals of the match through Alan Didak and Shannon Cox before the Cats hit back through Ablett and Mathew Stokes.

Geelong struggled to cope with Collingwood’s pressure in the first term and trailed by 20 points at the first change after the Pies kicked the last three goals of the quarter.

The margin should have been greater at quarter-time but the Magpies were wasteful in front of goal, booting a wayward 5.5 for the term.

Their woes in front of goal continued early in the second term with Brown missing sitter from 30m out.

Geelong made Brown pay with David Wojincski kicking a goal on the run.

From that moment on the Cats dominated, moving the football quickly through the middle as they slammed on a further seven unanswered goals to take a handy 27-point lead into half-time.

The Magpies got themselves back into the contest in the third term but once again let themselves down with their kicking in front of goal.

They kicked six behinds for the term, none more deflating than Fraser’s miss after the three-quarter time siren which would have reduced the deficit to just nine points heading into the final change.

It was all Geelong early in the final term as they slammed on three unanswered goals in a six-minute burst to secure the four points.

GEELONG: 2.3, 10.6, 11.11, 18.14 (122)
COLLINGWOOD: 5.5, 5.9, 8.15, 13.17 (95)
GOALS: Geelong: Chapman 4, Johnson 3, Varcoe 2, Stokes 2, Hawkins 2, Ablett, Wojcinski, Byrnes, Rooke, Mooney
Collingwood: Medhurst 3, Dick, Cox, L. Brown, Thomas, Didak, Davis, Lockyer, Fraser, Beams, Anthony
BEST: Geelong: Chapman, Ablett, Mooney, Bartel, Kelly, Johnson
Collingwood : Pendlebury, Clarke, Beams, Swan, O’Bree, Cox
INJURIES: Geelong: Nil
Collingwood: Johnson (ankle)
REPORTS: Shaw reported for making contact with an umpire in the second quarter
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Vozzo, McBurney, Stevic
CROWD: 58,527 at the MCG

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Roos fine pair over video

April 9th 2009 07:31
NORTH MELBOURNE veteran Adam Simpson and defender Daniel Pratt have both been fined $5000 by the club for their involvement in the production of an offensive video.

The club will take no further action against the pair.

The Kangaroos have also reprimanded a staff member responsible for uploading the offensive four-minute video to the internet.

The video shows a condom-clad rubber chicken performing sex acts on a chicken carcass, which is meant to depict a woman

"That staff member has been counselled, officially reprimanded under their employment contract and placed on notice for their behaviour," a club statement said.

"The club confirms its absolute support for the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Policy and Individual Conduct Policy and endorses the importance of both education and counselling where inappropriate off field behaviour has occurred."

"Whilst it is noted that the individuals primarily involved in this incident have accepted responsibility for their behaviour, the club felt it was appropriate in the circumstances that they be sanctioned."

"The club deeply regrets the creation and dissemination of the video and unconditionally apologises for the harmful and offensive content."

The playing group has agreed to make a $10,000 donation to welfare or related organisations involved in caring for and or assisting the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

The Kangaroos have also decided to work with the AFL’s Respect and Responsibility Officer, Sue Clark.

Clark will educate and inform players and staff about the league's Respect and Responsibility Policy and also work with the management and senior players to create a policy specifically for the Kangaroos.


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Simpson, Pratt may not play

April 9th 2009 03:19
NORTH MELBOURNE veteran Adam Simpson and defender Daniel Pratt may not play in Sunday's clash against Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.

Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley said he is concerned the pair may not be in the right frame of mind to play after confessing on national TV on Wednesday their involvement in an internet video prank.

"We don't know if Adam or Daniel will be able to play, to be honest," Laidley said.

"We need to assess where they're at. It's thrown a bit of a spanner in the works in regard to our team selection."

"We'll work closely with those guys and if we see them fit to play, they'll play. If not we'll have to look at some changes."

Simpson and Pratt and the other players responsible for the video will learn of their punishment later today.

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Round three preview: Geelong v Collingwood

April 8th 2009 20:36
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Thursday 9 April, 7.40pm (AEDT)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 214: Geelong 89 Collingwood 124 Drawn 1

LAST TIME: Collingwood 20.14 (134) def Geelong 7.6 (48), Round 9, 2008 at the MCG.

RECENT HISTORY: The Magpies have won three of their past five against Geelong.

FORM: Geelong is undefeated this season but they were made to earn the four points by Richmond last weekend. The Tigers booted eight goals to three in the third term to take a one-point lead but the Cats steadied and prevailed by 20 points. Collingwood bounced back from a shock four-point loss to Adelaide in round one with a 53-point demolition of last year's wooden spooners Melbourne at the MCG last Saturday. Of concern to Magpies coach Mick Malthouse would be his side’s slow starts so far this season - the Pies trailed at quarter-time in their matches against the Crows and the Demons. If Collingwood is going to defeat Geelong at the home of football on Thursday night they will need to start well.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Cats suffered a massive blow in the win over the Tigers with ruckman Brad Ottens injuring his knee in the first quarter. Ottens will be sidelined for at least two weeks, while Simon Hogan (general soreness) will also miss the clash against the Magpies. Skipper Tom Harley (knee) is two to three weeks away from returning while Shane Mumford (calf) is also unavailable. Youngster Mitch Brown (broken leg) and defenders Josh Hunt (knee) and Matthew Egan (foot) won’t play again this season. For Collingwood, Dale Thomas returns after being a late withdrawal against Melbourne with a virus. Anthony Rocca is injury free but hasn’t been selected due to a lack of match fitness while fellow forward Sean Rusling (shoulder) is at least two weeks away from being considered for selection.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Tarkyn Lockyer vs. Gary Ablett

The last time these two sides met in round nine last year Ablett was Geelong’s best with a game-high 29 possessions, two goals and eight inside 50’s.

If the Magpies are going to contain a Geelong side that is capable of scoring heavily in quick bursts they will need to shut down Ablett’s creative run and prevent him from pumping the football inside 50.

In that round nine clash the Pies laid a staggering 85 tackles - they will need to apply the same sort of pressure all over the ground for four quarters if they are going to keep the likes of Ablett quiet.

Lockyer is Collingwood’s most effective run-with player and looms as the obvious candidate to line-up on Ablett in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

The Magpies will need Lockyer to be proactive and push forward and kick early goals as it will force Ablett to be accountable and thus help limit his influence.

Matthew Scarlett vs. Travis Cloke

The last time these two sides met in the home-and-away season Cloke outclassed Harry Taylor, finishing the match with 12 possessions, nine marks and four goals.

The Magpies will need a similar performance from Cloke on Thursday night if they are going to be any hope of recording a win against the odds.

Cloke is Collingwood’s barometer - stopping him will go a long way towards securing the four premiership points for the Cats.

With this in mind, you would expect Geelong’s best defender in Scarlett to be given the task of matching up on Cloke.

Expect Cloke to push further up the ground and drag Scarlett away from the last line of defence where he is damaging with his ability to rebound the football.

Josh Fraser vs. Mark Blake

Fraser was unstoppable against Melbourne last Saturday, helping himself to 25 possessions, one goal and 26 hit-outs.

But he was up against second-gamer Jake Spencer and will find his job a lot tougher on Thursday night against the more experienced Blake.

The Cats will sorely miss the presence of Ottens but Blake has shown in the past that he is more than capable of shouldering the bulk of the workload in the ruck.

While Fraser will be forced to do most of the ruck work for Collingwood, Blake will receive some support from Trent West who has played just six AFL matches.

Blake and West are hardly elite ruckman but Geelong has plenty of elite clearance winning midfielders.

They just need the aforementioned duo to provide a contest and limit the effectiveness of Fraser’s taps.

Around the ground is where Fraser has a clear edge over Blake with his ability to win 20-plus possessions and also kick goals.

Fraser will push forward at every available opportunity and take Blake out of his comfort zone.

If the 27-year-old can chime in with two or three goals it will go a long way towards securing a win for the Pies.

Harry O’Brien vs. Steve Johnson

Along with Ablett, Johnson has been Geelong’s most damaging player so far this season, averaging 25.5 disposals and three goals per game.

He was particularly influential against Richmond at Skilled Stadium last Saturday with 24 disposals and four goals - three of which came in the final term to help lift his side to a 20-point win.

When these two sides met in round nine last year O’Brien did a brilliant job on Johnson, keeping the classy Geelong forward goalless.

Expect O’Brien to be given the task once again in what will be a pivotal contest.

As he showed last weekend, Johnson is capable of turning a game on its head in the space of a quarter so O’Brien will need to be switched on defensively for four quarters and not give Johnson any time or space in which to work his magic.

VERDICT: The Magpies will head into this clash with some confidence given their recent record against the Cats but the big question is can they shut down Geelong’s runners by playing high intensity pressure football for four quarters after a five-day turnaround. These two sides are relatively evenly matched but Mark Thompson's men have the edge in the midfield. In what shapes as being a taxing game, Geelong’s class and depth in the middle should prove to be the difference. Cats by 29 points.

GEELONG v COLLINGWOOD
GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Andrew Mackie, Matthew Scarlett
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Max Rooke
C: Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, Cameron Ling
HF: James Kelly, Cameron Mooney, Mathew Stokes
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Steve Johnson
Foll: Mark Blake, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood
I/C: Trent West, Travis Varcoe, David Wojcinski, Shannon Byrnes
Emg: David Johnson, Ryan Gamble, Tom Lonergan

In: Trent West, Shannon Byrnes, Matthew Stokes
Out: Brad Ottens (knee), Simon Hogan (general soreness), Ryan Gamble

COLLINGWOOD
B: Shannon Cox, Simon Prestigiacomo, Heath Shaw
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell
C: Martin Clarke, Alan Didak, Dale Thomas
HF: Dayne Beams, Travis Cloke, Paul Medhurst
F: John Anthony, Leigh Brown, Shane O’Bree
Foll: Josh Fraser, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Leon Davis, Ben Johnson, Dane Swan, Brad Dick
Emg: Anthony Corrie, Anthony Rocca, Alan Toovey

In: Dale Thomas
Out: Alan Toovey

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Harvey hits back

April 8th 2009 09:30
MARK Harvey has hit back at Grant Thomas after the former St Kilda coach questioned his ability to coach.

Thomas said in his ninemsn column the Fremantle coach was 'well out of his depth' and described him as someone 'born to be an assistant coach'.

"Dare I say it, but there are some coaches that were born to be an assistant coach. I think Mark Harvey is one of those coaches," Thomas wrote.

"He has failed to stamp any traits of his wonderful qualities on the team he is accountable for."

"For whatever reason, his charges do not respond to his coaching and don't play for him."

"Harvs seems to be under siege and lacks confidence with what to do.

"It is a very difficult time for a coach when you are not sure that the playing group are aligned to your thinking.

"I suspect there is a very real disconnection between his philosophies and their desire to implement."

Harvey said it was wrong of Thomas to make judgements on the club from afar

"I think what you have to realise is where the club's at and what we are trying to do before you even make those sorts of comments," Harvey said.

"I've stated that if you go and get 14 first-year players you don't go and get a franchise player or you don't go and pinch players from other clubs.

"You are pretty much making a statement about where you're at and what you need to do."

"Sometimes there are different reasons why you lose games and it'd be fair to say that at the moment we're not playing like we should be."

"(But) you guys (the media) put too much expectation on this club and so hence we'll just know what we want to do internally without actually expressing it."

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North won't sanction players over video

April 8th 2009 06:51
NORTH MELBOURNE will not sanction the players responsible for producing a tasteless video.

The Kangaroos refused to name the players behind the four-minute movie which shows a condom-clad rubber chicken performing sex acts on a chicken carcass, which is meant to depict a woman.

Kangaroos chief excutive Eugene Arocca said all the players at the club had to take some responsibility for the video which was posted on YouTube.

"As the CEO I think all of them were responsible. From the person who conceived the idea to the last young man or player on the list who watched it and didn't do anything about it," he said.

"I think they should all share the responsibility."

Arocca also said the players had pledged to make a 'substantial contribution' to a charity against domestic violence.

Former North Melbourne skipper Adam Simpson said the video didn't reflect the club's attitude towards women.

"It's just not us, I plead with you to understand that it was just immature, terrible and not acceptable behaviour but it was just an aberration," Simpson said.

"It's just not what we're made up of."

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Murphy won't be risked: Eade

April 8th 2009 05:32
WESTERN BULLDOGS forward Robert Murphy will not be risked against Richmond on Easter Monday as he continues to recover from a knee injury.

Murphy, who had an operation on his patella tendon at the end of last season, managed some game time during the pre-season but is yet to play a home-and-away match in 2009.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said Murphy is a chance to play next week.

"He (Murphy) is not playing this week," Eade said.

"We said last week that it would be Round 4 (when he resumes) and whether that is with Williamstown or with us only time will tell."

"Over the pre-season he was about three weeks ahead of schedule so that is why we always thought he would be a chance for Round 1, but the specialist always said it would be Round 4 or 5."

"The last game he played in the NAB Challenge in the wet actually put him back as he just pulled up a bit sore. So we are looking at next week."
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Kirk escapes suspension

April 7th 2009 08:41
SYDNEY co-captain Brett Kirk is free to play in Saturday night's clash against Brisbane at the Gabba after escaping suspension for making reckless contact with field umpire Matthew James.

The tribunal agreed with Kirk's counsel Terry Forrest QC who argued that the contact between player and umpire was on the 'low end of the scale' and that Kirk had no options.

With a guilty plea the sanction was reduced by 25 per cent, meaning he received 93.75 demerit points to take him below the threshold for a one-match ban while his fine was also reduced to $1950.

Meanwhile, Brisbane midfielder Luke Power was cleared of making negligent contact with an umpire but was hit with a $2600 fine.

Port star Daniel Motlop will be free to play iagainst Melbourne on Easter Monday after being found not guilty of striking West Coast utility Adam Hunter, while North Melbourne's Michael Firrito was found not guilty of striking Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson.

The news wasn't as good for Essendon utility Adam McPhee who will miss Saturday's clash against arch-rivals Carlton after being hit with a one-match ban for striking Fremantle's Scott Thornton.

McPhee could have accepted a two-match ban but had his suspension reduced to one match after the panel ruled that his strike was reckless and not intentional.
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Gumbleton surgery a 'success'

April 7th 2009 07:26
ESSENDON forward Scott Gumbleton will begin the long road back from injury after undergoing back surgery on Tuesday morning.

Gumbleton, who was the No.2 pick at the 2006 national draft, is recuperating after undergoing surgery at the Epworth Hospital to repair a bulging disc.

Essendon football operations manager Paul Hamilton said surgeons have described the procedure to stop the disc from impinging on nerves as a 'success'.

"This is a serious operation and we are all very pleased to hear that it went well," Hamilton said.

"Scott will now begin his 12-week rehabilitation program and I am sure he is eager to get stuck into it."

"We will provide him with all the help and assistance we can to aid his recovery."

"He is determined to get back and play good football for Essendon."

Hamilton said Gumbleton was a chance to play again in 2009 but won't be rushed back.

Fellow Bomber Jason Winderlich underwent a similar operation last year and has played both games this season.

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


Five to face tribunal

April 7th 2009 05:25
FIVE players will face the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night after Brisbane's Luke Power, North's Michael Firrito, Port's Daniel Motlop and Essendon's Adam McPhee all decided to challenge the findings of the match review panel.

Sydney co-captain Brett Kirk had already been sent straight to the tribunal for making reckless contact with field umpire Matthew James on Saturday night.

The ruling comes as part of the AFL’s crackdown on contact with umpires.

Power will challenge a fine after being charged with making negligent contact with a field umpire while Firrito will challenge his level one striking charge against Bulldogs' skipper Brad Johnson which attracted a reprimand only.

Motlop could have accepted a one-match ban for striking West Coast utility Adam Hunter in an incident that was not captured on a video.

But by challenging the match review panel's verdict he is risking a two-match suspension.

McPhee also could have accepted a two-match ban for striking Fremantle's Scott Thornton but is now risking a three-match suspension for an off-the-ball incident which was viewed by the panel as intentional conduct, medium impact and body contact.

In other tribunal news, Richmond's Jake King and Western Bulldogs veteran Jason Akermanis have accepted reprimands after pleading guilty to rough conduct and bumping from front-on respectively while Essendon midfielder Angus Monfries has accepted a $1950 fine for making negligent contact with a field umpire.

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Zaharakis wins nomination

April 7th 2009 01:03
ESSENDON youngster David Zaharakis has been rewarded for his impressive debut against Fremantle with the NAB Rising Star nomination for round two.

Zaharakis was among his side's best in the 38-point win over the Dockers with 21 possessions and 10 marks.

The 19-year-old broke his way into Essendon's senior side after collecting 33 possessions and booting seven goals with Bendigo in a VFL practice match the week before.

Essendon coach Matthew Knights said he was impressed with every aspect of Zaharakis' game against Fremantle.

“From a whole package point of view we were pleased because not only did he win the ball but his disposal and decision making was really good for a young player. He also chased, tackled and harassed – he put as much energy into this part of his game as any other part," Knights said.

“As a match committee we loved that he brings a real energy and enthusiasm to his game and that is infectious on the team. David allows himself to make good decisions during a game because he has good composure and balance with the ball in his hands.”

Zaharakis, who was selected with pick 23 in last year's draft, captained Vic Metro to the AFL Under 18 Championship title last year and also earned All-Australian honours.

The promising youngster capped off a stellar junior career with selection in the 2008 TAC Cup Team of the Year after a brilliant season as captain of the Northern Knights.

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Crows suspend Bock indefinitely

April 6th 2009 13:02
ADELAIDE defender Nathan Bock has been suspended indefinitely and fined $5000 after being charged by police with assault and causing damage following an incident at the General Havelock Hotel.

Bock, who allegedley assaulted his long-time girlfriend Carlie Matthews, will be required to do 50 hours of community service at a women's shelter and also undertake anger management counselling, alcohol counselling and lifestyle counselling.

The 26-year-old expressed regret for his actions and apologised to all concerned.

"Firstly and foremost, I deeply regret my actions on Saturday night," Bock said.

"I apologise to my girlfriend Carly and her family for any embarassment and hurt I have caused them."

"I also apologise to my family and friends, and the Adelaide Football Club, its players, its staff, its supporters and sponsors."

"I am disappointed in my behaviour and acknowledge the fact that as an Adelaide football player we are looked upon as role models in the community, and I endeavour to regain any respect I have lost."

Adelaide chief executive Steven Trigg said Bock had the club's support but a repeat offence would leave his career at the Crows hanging by a thread.

“He has no history of this, there was no indication of any prior behaviour that would lead to this situation, so at this point in time he gets our support,'' Trigg said.

“A repeat of the situation would put his position at our club in very serious jeopardy and I suspect across the competition as well.

“He knows the consequences of it happening again are going to be very dire.''

The suspension of Bock caps off a disastrous couple of days for the Crows who have lost key forward Trent Hentschel and midfielder Chris Knights to injuries sustained in the loss to St Kilda on Friday night.

Hentschel will have an arthroscopy on his right knee and is expected to be on the sidelines for about a month while Knights has got a fracture of the eye socket and will miss at least three weeks.


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


Walker to miss rest of the season

April 6th 2009 09:30
CARLTON utility Andrew Walker is expected to miss the remainder of the season after injuring his shoulder for the third time while playing in a practice match for the Blues' VFL affiliate Northern Bullants on Saturday.

Walker will now undergo major shoulder surgery on Wednesday morning.

The 22-year-old will have a bone graft in his shoulder which will stabilise his joint and give him the rotation and flexibility in his shoulder which he is currently lacking

Carlton football operations manager Steven Icke said the surgery gives Walker the best chance of ending his ongoing problems with his shoulder.

"Andrew is obviously frustrated but quite buoyant about the surgery because it's a different type of surgery and one which will strengthen the joint and give him the best chance of making a full recovery," Icke said.

Icke also said the Blues won't be rushing Walker back.

"Our expectation is he will miss the remainder of the year and if he gets back earlier it would be a bonus but it's about ensuring he is fully fit for next year," he said.

In some good news for the Blues, promising young defender Michael Jamison is expected to miss only two to three matches with a shoulder injury.

Icke said Jamison has a good range of movement in his shoulder and that once the current pain and tenderness subsides he will soon be able to begin playing.

Meanwhile, midfielder Andrew Carazzo is a chance to return via the VFL this weekend following the broken arm he sustained during the pre-season while former Fremantle ruckman Robbie Warnock is making solid progress in his return from a foot stress fracture.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Brown free to play

April 6th 2009 09:02
BRISBANE LIONS skipper Jonathan Brown is free to play in Saturday night's clash against Sydney at the Gabba after being cleared of engaging in rough conduct against Carlton midfielder Marc Murphy.

The match review panel said Brown 'did not drive his knee into Murphy' but instead pushed into his legs with only 'minimal force.'

Collingwood defender Heath Shaw had his report of engaging in rough conduct against Melbourne's Jared Rivers also thrown out.

The match review panel deemed that Shaw had his eyes on the ball at all times and was not doing anything other than contesting the ball when he made contact with Rivers.

The panel also said Shaw had attempted to lessen the impact when he realised at the last minute he was out of the contest after having jumped in the air to contest the ball.

A clash between Carlton's Chris Johnson and Brisbane's Troy Selwood was closely looked at but Johnson was cleared despite a recent rule change that even accidental contact to the head from a bump would be subject to a reportable offence.

The panel said Johnson was cleared because he had no other option than to contest the ball and that he did not run past the ball to make contact and had his elbow tucked in at all times.

Essendon utility Adam McPhee was charged with striking Fremantle's Scott Thornton in an off-the-ball incident at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Because of his past record his original tally of 225 points increased to 307.5 points, which equates to a three-match ban.

But if McPhee pleads guilty he will escape with just 230.63 points and a two match suspension.

In other tribunal news, Port Adelaide star Daniel Motlop was charged with striking West Coast swingman Adam Hunter in an incident that was not captured on video.

Motlop can accept a one-match ban but faces a two match suspension if he unsuccessfully decides to contest the charge.

Sydney co-captain Brett Kirk will face the tribunal after he was charged with recklessly making contact with umpire Matthew James in the second quarter of Saturday night's 38-point win over Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium.

The matter was referred directly to the tribunal, which means Kirk will not be given the chance to submit an early plea.

The ruling comes as part of the AFL’s crackdown on contact with umpires.

Richmond's Jake King, North Melbourne's Michael Firrito and Bulldogs' veteran Jason Akermanis can all accept reprimands after being booked on lower grade charges while St Kilda ruckman Michael Gardiner and Collingwood's John Anthony were cleared over incidents involving Adelaide's Ivan Maric and Rivers respectively.

Meanwhile, West Coast midfielder Daniel Kerr was cleared over a clash involving Port's Kade Cornes at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

It was the view of the panel that the free-kick paid against Kerr was a sufficient penalty for his actions.

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Cats receive good news on Ottens

April 6th 2009 07:26
GEELONG has received some good news with scans revealing that the knee injury sustained by ruckman Brad Ottens is nowhere near as bad as first thought.

Ottens, who injured his knee in a ruck contest during the Cats' 20-point win over Richmond at Skilled Stadium on Saturday, was initially expected to miss up to six matches.

But scans today revealed only a slight medial ligament strain which is expected to sideline him for only two to four matches.

The news isn't as good for the club's first draft pick from last year - Mitch Brown - who will miss the remainder of the season after scans on Monday revealed that he broke the fibula in his left leg during a VFL practice match on the weekend.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Violent fans will be banned: Demetriou

April 6th 2009 07:11
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou says the league will ban supporters who engage in violence against rival fans from attending future matches.

Demetriou's comments come after the father of Melboourne midfielder Nathan Jones was bashed as he was leaving the MCG following the Demons' loss to Collingwood on Saturday.

Brad Jones suffered a broken nose and cracked ribs in the incident as well as bruising and swelling to his face but is now out of hospital and recovering at home.

The three men - aged 19, 21 and 24 - have all been charged over the attack.

Demetriou said the league will not tolerate violent behaviour.

"There is absolutely no place for that sort of activity in our game and we will work with our clubs and our supporters and our venues to make sure that anyone who thinks they can engage in that sort of activity that we will find them, identify them and they will not be allowed to attend our games," he said.

Demetriou also said the incident shouldn't deter families from attending the football.

"This was an isolated incident and when we do have incident like this they seem incredibly outrageous because they are isolated and not the norm," he said.

Nathan Jones also spoke publicly for the first time on Monday since the incident occurred, saying the attack on his father was unbelievable.

“I never expected my old man to go to the footy and something like this to ever happen," Jones said.

“It's pretty unfortunate, it should never happen at any sport, let alone AFL.”

Jones also said his father was doing well and that the incident wouldn't stop his family from attending AFL matches in the future.

“He is his same old self, he just looks a bit beaten up,” he said.
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Hentschel out for a month

April 6th 2009 03:31
ADELAIDE has suffered a major blow with forward Trent Hentschel requiring an arthroscopy on his right knee which will sideline him for about a month.

Hentschel, who made his return to AFL football against Collingwood in round one after missing two full seasons with a major knee injury, experienced swelling in the joint in the Crows' 32-point loss to St Kilda on Friday.

Adelaide's senior medical officer Dr Andrew Potter said the 26-year-old would undergo an arthroscopy to remove debris from the joint.

“There is no obvious structural damage to the knee. But Trent visited his surgeon this morning and he recommended they inspect the joint and remove any debris that may be there,” Dr Potter said.
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Westhoff to miss at least six weeks

April 5th 2009 16:23
PORT ADELAIDE will be without forward Justin Westhoff for at least six weeks after he broke his foot in the 50-point loss to West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The injury appears to be a stress fracture as no contact was made.

The Power could be without two of their most dangerous forwards with Daniel Motlop reported for allegedley striking Eagle Adam Hunter during the third quarter.

The loss of Westhoff and potentially Motlop, who combined for six of their side's 10 goals, compounded a disastrous afternoon for a Port Adelaide side that was completely outclassed by a more committed West Coast outfit.

Port coach Mark Williams admitted his side missed the presence of ruckman Dean Brogan who was suspended for one match for pushing Essendon speedster Andrew Lovett to the ground in round one.

"Without Dean Brogan in the centre square the whole time, I think our first possession numbers were shocking all day," Williams said.

"Dean causes a bit of spillage around the stoppages. I thought (Brendan) Lade did a pretty good job, just head to head with hits, but Dean provides that other stuff around the bottom of the packs (that we missed)."

Williams also said Port wilted under the pressure applied by the Eagles.

“All credit to West Coast, they provided enough heat and enough emotion in the game,” Williams said.

“So whether it was a poor skill error or just perceived pressure on them, our players turned over the ball too many times, especially in our kicking."

The Eagles got the early jump, kicking the first three goals of the match in the opening nine minutes before the Power started to win more of the football and slowly work their way back into the contest.

But they failed to convert in front of goal, booting five straight behinds before Westhoff kicked his side's first at the 22-minute mark of the first term.

"The start of the game was disappointing and we seemed to get jumped early," Williams said.

"I thought we fought back pretty well after the first ten or 15 minutes but if you can't kick straight, pretty easy shots on goals, then you really lack the ability to put any scoreboard pressure on the opposition, so that was poor."

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Win a sign of maturity, says Eade

April 5th 2009 10:46
THE Western Bulldogs drought-breaking win over North Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday is a sign of growing maturity according to coach Rodney Eade.

The Bulldogs' 15-point victory ended a five-game losing streak against the Kangaroos.

The Dogs were the second highest scoring team last season but they showed in wet conditions at the home of football that they can also win scrappy, low-scoring affairs.

Eade believes the victory was a huge step forward for last year's preliminary finalists.

"The pleasing thing was that maybe that was the maturity of the group (coming out)," he said.

"To be challenged like that against a proven performer in those sorts of situations - because they (the Kangaroos) are renowned for their grit and determination - and to be able to fend them off and kick the last two goals of the day was really pleasing and from that aspect was the biggest plus of the day."

"Sometimes you have got to win ugly and we certainly did that today."

"It was also more about winning a close game and to win a tight close game in that weather and against the opposition we had, I think that will cement a bit more belief in the group."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Lloyd, Lucas will come good: Knights

April 5th 2009 10:32
ESSENDON coach Matthew Knights is confident that out-of-form veterans Matthew Lloyd and Scott Lucas will rise out of their form slumps.

The Bombers skipper was held goalless for the second time in as many matches in Essendon's 38-point win over Fremantle at Ethihad Stadium while Lucas booted 1.2 after managing just one goal against Port Adelaide in round one.

Knights said he would give the pair time to find their best form.

"Why shouldn't I be patient?" Knights said.

"They've been absolute stars for the Essendon Football Club for such a long period and they're fine young men and they consistently continue to do themselves proud on and off the field."

"I'll have as much patience as I've possibly got because they deserve the patience. They will come good, I know that."

"As long as they're contributing and endeavouring to do their best, they can't do much more than that."

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Eagles pummel Power

April 5th 2009 10:15
WEST COAST has recorded its first win of the season, thumping a disappointing Port Adelaide side by 50 points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

The Eagles led at every change and prevailed 19.11 (125) to 10.15 (75) over a Port outfit that lacked any polish.

The win ended West Coast’s four-game losing streak against the Power and left Port Adelaide's milestone men Chad Cornes (200 games), Shaun Burgoyne (150), Brett Ebert (100) and Toby Thurstans (100) with nothing to celebrate.

The loss was made worse for the Power with forward Justin Westhoff injuring his foot in the third term.

Daniel Kerr starred with 28 possessions and four goals, including a brilliant running goal in the third term after sidestepping Port defender Troy Chaplin while Adam Selwood was effective in close and helped get the Eagles going, racking up 20 of his 33 touches in the first half.

Shannon Hurn generated plenty of run off half-back with 24 disposals and one goal while Matt Rosa was a busy contributor with 26 touches.

Daniel Motlop was the only shining light for the Power, booting four goals while Kane Cornes (33 possessions) tried hard but like a lot of his teammates most of his disposals weren’t damaging.

West Coast started brightly, moving the football quickly through the middle of the ground as they slammed on three unanswered goals in a nine-minute burst to skip out to an early 20-point lead.

Port slowly worked their way into the contest and started to win their fair share of the football but they failed to punish the Eagles on the scoreboard, booting five straight behinds for Westhoff kicked truly at the 22-minute mark to get his side to within 15 points at the first change.

A Steven Salopek goal from outside 50 a minute into the second term saw Port close to within nine points but from that moment on it was all West Coast with long-range majors from Hurn and Quinten Lynch sparking a run of five unanswered goals.

The Power hit back with two goals but the Eagles were well and truly in control, taking a 33-point advantage into half-time.

Port were kept in the contest by Motlop who booted two goals in the third term and set up Robert Gray after taking a spectacular mark.

Gray’s major marked the first time Port Adelaide had kicked consecutive goals all day and reduced the deficit to just 26 points at the 23-minute mark.

West Coast of last year would have allowed the Power to get a run on but with Kerr leading from the front with 16 possessions and two goals in the third quarter, the Eagles were able to hit back with three goals in five minutes to take a match-winning 44-point advantage into the final change.

WEST COAST: 4.1, 10.6, 16.8, 19.11 (125)
PORT ADELAIDE: 1.6, 4.9, 8.12, 10.15 (75)
GOALS: West Coast: Kerr 4, Le Cras 3, Lynch 2, Hansen, Selwood, Hurn, Masten, Embley, Ebert, Stenglein, Cox, Priddis,
Port Adelaide: Motlop 4, Westhoff 2, Salopek, Peter Burgoyne, Cassisi, Gray
BEST: West Coast: Selwood, Kerr, Rosa, Glass, Hurn, Cox, Fletcher, Priddis
Port Adelaide: Motlop, Kane Cornes, Thurstans, Salopek
INJURIES: West Coast: nil
Port Adelaide: Westhoff (foot)
REPORTS: nil
CHANGES: West Coast: David Wirrpanda (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Ryan Davis.
UMPIRES: Margetts, Schmitt, Kamolins
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Dogs hold off North

April 5th 2009 07:53
THE Western Bulldogs have ended their four-year hoodoo against North Melbourne with a hard-fought 15-point win in wet conditions at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Dogs’ 11. 14 (80) to 9.11 (65) victory ends a five-match losing streak against the Kangaroos.

It is also the first time that the Dogs have defeated the Roos at the MCG since 1999.

Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson set the win up with three goals while Josh Hill also chimed in with three valuable majors.

Brian Lake was superb in defence with 25 disposals and 18 marks. Ryan Griffen and Daniel Cross were influential with 28 possessions apiece while Liam Picken kept North Melbourne skipper Brent Harvey quiet.

For the Kangaroos, former skipper Adam Simpson led from the front with a team-high 27 possessions while Leigh Harding (22 disposals) tried hard all day.

Johnson booted two majors in the opening term as the Bulldogs booted the first three goals of the match to set up a handy 13-point lead at quarter-time.

Goals were hard to come by in the second term with just three majors kicked for the quarter as the Dogs took a 10-point advantage into the main break.

The Bulldogs threatened to run away with the contest in the second half, slamming on four of the first five goals of the third term to skip out to a 28-point lead.

But the Kangaroos hit back through David Hale, Matt Campbell and Lindsay Thomas to trail by just 11 points heading into the final change.

Hill kicked the first goal of the final term before the Kangaroos punished the Dogs for some sloppy play with a Dylan Addison brain fade and a turnover from Lindsay Gilbee resulting in goals to Ed Lower and Hamish McIntosh.

Addison refused to rush a behind for fear of being penalised under the new deliberate rushed behind rule and instead stood back and watched a loose ball hopefully roll over the goal line.

But as he stood watching Lower kicked the ball off the ground and when McIntosh kicked truly after Gilbee turned the ball over in the middle of the ground the Kangaroos were within a kick for the first time in the match with just over eight minutes left on the clock.

North threw everything at the Dogs in the dying stages before Hill came to the fore and kicked his third and then set up Gilbee who kicked the sealer.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.6, 4.10, 8.13, 11.14 (80)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 1.5, 3.6, 7.8, 9.11 (65)
GOALS: Bulldogs: Johnson 3, Hill 3, Giansiracusa, Griffin, Addison, Minson, Gilbee
North: Campbell 2, Simpson, Wells, Swallow, Thomas, Hale, Lower, McIntosh
BEST: Bulldogs: Griffen, Lake, Boyd, Johnson, Akermanis, Hill, Cross
North: Simpson, Harding, McIntosh, Pratt, Rawlings, Swallow
INJURIES: Bulldogs: Nil
North: Nil
UMPIRES: Grun, Meredith, McInerney
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Bulldogs: Callan (concussion) replaced in selected side by Harbrow
CROWD: 34,466 at MCG

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


Bock charged by police

April 5th 2009 06:40
ADELAIDE defender Nathan Bock has been charged by police with assault and causing damage after an incident at the General Havelock Hotel in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Bock was detained by police and then released with a date to appear in court later in the yea..

Adelaide general manager John Reid said in a statement on Sunday the club will investigate the incident further before taking any action.

"The club is gathering more information regarding the incident and once we have all the details the club will advise all concerned on what action it will take from a club and AFL perspective," the statement read.

"We will endeavour to do that as soon as possible. In the meantime there will be no other comment on the matter."

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


Dons get first win

April 5th 2009 06:38
ESSENDON has opened its account for season 2009 with a 38-point win over Fremantle at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Bombers got the early jump and survived several challenges from the Dockers to prevail 16.13 (109) to 10.11 (71).

The most pleasing aspect of the result for Essendon was that they finished the match with 16 goals despite the fact that skipper Matthew Lloyd was held goalless and Scott Lucas contributed just one major.

Jobe Watson and Jason Winderlich were influential in the middle with 30 and 27 possessions respectively while David Zahakaris showed he is a potential star of the future with 21 quality disposals.

Dustin Fletcher led an inexperienced Essendon defence with 28 touches while Irishman Michael Quinn (20 possessions) showed some promising signs on debut.

For the Dockers, Paul Hasleby (24 possessions) and Rhys Palmer (21 touches, two goals) tried hard all day while Aaron Sandilands (36 hit-outs) had the better of his duel with David Hille.

The Bombers ran harder than their opponents and moved the football quickly through the middle of the ground in the opening term as they slammed on five goals to one to take a handy 22-point lead into quarter-time.

Fremantle lifted their work-rate in the second term and started to win the contested football.

Goals to Brett Peake, Byron Schammer and Matthew Pavlich saw the Dockers close to within two goals but the Bombers had all the answers with a late major from Hille giving Essendon a 17-point advantage at half-time.

The Dockers didn't make any inroads on the scoreboard in a frenetic third quarter with the Dons booting five goals to four to take a 23-point lead into the final change.

Fremantle failed to fire a shot in a final term that didn't reach any great heights with the Bombers kicking two unanswered goals to secure the four premiership points.

Essendon will now face arch-rivals Carlton at the MCG on Saturday while the Dockers will be seeking their first win of the season when they Adelaide at Subiaco Oval on Sunday.

ESSENDON: 5.2, 9.5, 14.7, 16.13 (109)
FREMANTLE: 1.4, 6.6, 10.8, 10.11 (71)
GOALS: Essendon: McPhee 3, Winderlich 2, Ryder 2, Hocking, Skipworth, Lovett, Dempsey, Pears, Hille, Slattery, Davey, Lucas
Fremantle: Pavlich 2, Palmer 2, Peake 2, Mundy, Schammer, Solomon, Dodd
BEST: Essendon: Winderlich, Lovett, Watson, Fletcher, Zaharakis, Skipworth
Fremantle: Sandilands, Palmer, Hasleby, Duffield, Mundy,
INJURIES: Essendon: Nil
Fremantle: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Stewart, Avon
CROWD: TBC at Etihad Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Essendon Bombers
   


Brown on report

April 4th 2009 23:38
THE loss to Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night has been made worse for Brisbane with skipper Jonathan Brown placed on report for engaging in rough conduct.

Brown had his number taken by emergency umpire Troy Pannell for rough conduct on Blues midfielder Marc Murphy late in the last quarter of the Lions' 19-point loss.

The Lions, who started slowly last week against West Coast before running over the top of the Eagles, trailed by as much as 48 points in the third term but came back in the second half and nearly snatched the four premiership points.

Brisbane coach Michael Voss bemoaned his side's inability to play four quarters of football.

"It was pleasing from that aspect but disappointing we're having these patches where we're not playing four quarters," Voss said.

"Signs are there but we're not finishing out the game in its entirety which you need to do."

There were some positives for the Lions with Daniel Bradshaw kicking six goals while second-gamer Daniel Rich continued the impressive start to his career with 19 possessions.

"He's just open and listens and wants to learn which is always good to see from an 18-year-old," Voss said.

"It's a pleasing start from Daniel."

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


Walker injures shoulder

April 4th 2009 12:44
CARLTON utility Andrew Walker's return to the senior side looks set to be delayed after he injured his shoulder in a VFL practice match at Princes Park in Melbourne on Saturday.

Walker's right shoulder 'popped' in the first quarter while playing for the Northern Bullants.

The 22-year-old will know the extent of the injury when he meets with a specialist on Monday.

Walker, who injured the same shoulder during the pre-season, missed 15 matches last season after hurting his right shoulder in January 2008.



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Magpie fans arrested for bashing

April 4th 2009 12:37
THREE Collingwood fans have been arrested after allegedly bashing the father of Melbourne midfielder Nathan Jones.

Brad Jones was left bloody and bruised and taken to hospital with a suspected fractured cheekbone and broken nose.

Melbourne president Jim Stynes said in a statement the club was shocked by the attack and that people should feel safe when attending the football.

“We want to keep this as a family sport rather than a thug sport,'' he said.

“Fans should maintain the spirit of the game after the siren sounds and celebrate with the spirit of humility."

"First and foremost The Melbourne Football Club is for family. Everyone is welcome at our games. Everyone must feel safe and secure and free to express their passion for the club they support.

"One of the great things about the culture of AFL football is this type of behaviour is very rare. Irrespective of whom you support - supporter violence is just not on.”

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Swans upset undermanned Hawks

April 4th 2009 12:28
SYDNEY has caused a boilover at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night, downing reigning premiers Hawthorn by 38 points.

The Swans set up the 22.11 (143) to 15.15 (105) win with a dominant third quarter before steamrolling the Hawks with six goals in the final term.

The undermanned Hawks who were missing eight players from their premiership side are now winless after two rounds.

With Simon Taylor suspended and fellow ruckman Robert Campbell a late withdrawal, youngster Brent Renouf was forced to shoulder the load in the ruck.

Renouf was no match for Darren Jolly who finished with 19 possessions, three goals and a staggering 42 hit-outs.

The Swans finished the match with an AFL record 73 hit-outs.

Jarrad McVeigh benefited from Jolly’s good work at the stoppages, racking up a game-high 33 disposals.

Adam Goodes was damaging with 24 possessions and four goals while Barry Hall chimed in with four majors.

Brett Kirk restricted Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell to just 11 disposals while Craig Bolton kept star forward Lance Franklin quiet.

For the Hawks, Xavier Ellis (19 possessions) tried hard while Mark Williams and Jarryd Roughead booted three goals apiece.

Williams caused all sorts of headaches for the Swans in the opening term, kicking three goals in his 100th game - his third giving Hawthorn an early 23-point lead.

But majors to Goodes and Hall ensured the Swans were within striking distance, with the Hawks holding a 12-point lead at the first change.

With Jolly starting to assert his authority in the ruck the Swans were able to take control of the midfield.

Sydney closed to within two points at half-time after kicking three of the last four goals of the first half and when Craig Bird slotted one home at the 12-minute mark of the third quarter the Swans had the lead for the first time in the match.

Hall kicked his third to give Sydney an 11-point lead but the Hawks responded through Roughead who kicked his third.

Hawthorn could have easily hit the front but Cameron Stokes and Cyril Rioli failed to convert gettable opportunities.

Sydney made the Hawks pay with majors from Jarred Moore, Ryan O’Keefe and Nick Malceski before Hall kicked his fourth just before the siren to give his side a handy 21-point buffer heading into the final change.

Franklin kicked the first goal of the final stanza to give the Hawks a sniff but any hopes of a fightback was quashed by Goodes who kicked two goals before setting up Martin Mattner who sealed an impressive win for the Swans.

SYDNEY: 3.4, 8.7, 16.9, 22.11 (143)
HAWTHORN: 5.4, 8.9, 12.12, 15.15 (105)
GOALS: Sydney: Goodes 4, Hall 4, Malceski 3, Jolly 3, O'Keefe 2, McVeigh, White, Bird, Moore, Kirk, Mattner
Hawthorn: Williams 3, Roughead 3, Franklin 2, Morton 2, Stokes, Brown, Rioli, Moss, Dew
BEST: Sydney: Jolly, Goodes, C Bolton, McVeigh, Malceski, Roberts-Thomson, Shaw
Hawthorn: Ellis, Rioli, Kennedy, Hodge
INJURIES: Sydney: Hall (groin)
Hawthorn: Hodge (head), Bateman (ankle)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Sewell, Campbell replaced in Hawthorn selected side by Moss, Thorpe
UMPIRES: Vozzo, James, Mollison
CROWD: 36,116 at ANZ Stadium

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Blues down dogged Lions

April 4th 2009 11:21
CARLTON looks to be the real deal in 2009 after disposing of the Brisbane Lions by 19 points in a high-quality contest at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.

The Blues led by as much as 48 points in the third term but had to withstand a second half fightback from the Lions before eventually prevailing 18.11 (119) to 15.10 (100).

The win was soured somewhat for the Blues with promising defender Michael Jamison injuring his shoulder in the first half.

Bryce Gibbs led a dominant Carlton midfield with a game-high 34 possessions, 15 marks and two goals. He received good from Marc Murphy (24 touches, three goals) and skipper Chris Judd and Richard Hadley who racked up 20-plus disposals.

Brendon Fevola booted five goals while lively small forward Eddie Betts chimed in with three valuable majors.

Josh Drummond and Luke Power tried hard all night for Brisbane, racking up 30-plus touches. Daniel Rich (19 possessions) continued the impressive start to his career while Daniel Bradshaw kept Brisbane in the contest and finished the match with six majors.

The Lions led by a point at quarter-time before Carlton's midfield asserted its authority.

The Blues used the football better and ran harder than their opponents as they slammed on eight goals, including seven unanswered to skip out to a commanding 41-point lead at half-time.

Bradshaw kicked the first of his three third quarter goals a minute into the second half but Carlton replied almost immediately through Betts to extend their advantage to 48 points.

It appeared as if the Blues were on course for a percentage-boosting win but the Lions lifted their rating and started to win more of the contested football.

Their willingness to run hard paid handsome dividends as they piled on five goals to reduce the deficit to just 18 points heading into the final change.

The Lions closed to within 12 points midway through the final term and threatened to run over the top of the Blues but three last quarter goals from Fevola, including two in the space of a minute ensured Carlton would come away with the four premiership points.

CARLTON: 3.2, 11.5, 13.8, 18.11 (119)
BRISBANE: 3.3, 4.6, 10.8, 15.10 (100)

GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 5, Murphy 3, Betts, 3, Gibbs 2, Cloke 2, Hadley, Houlihan, Judd
Brisbane: Bradshaw 6, Brown 3, Sherman 2, Hooper 2, Johnstone, McGrath
BEST: Carlton: Judd, Fevola, Hadley, Gibbs, Houlihan, Thornton
Brisbane: Bradshaw, Power, Drummond, Rich, Adcock, Black
INJURIES: Carlton: Jamison (shoulder)
Brisbane: Nil
REPORTS: Brown (Brisbane) by emergency umpire Pannell in the last quarter for rough conduct on Murphy (Carlton)
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Chamberlain, Keating
CROWD: 42,496 at Etihad Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Ottens injury not as bad as first thought

April 4th 2009 09:31
GEELONG ruckman Brad Ottens' knee injury isn't as bad as first thought according to coach Mark Thompson.

Ottens was helped from the field late in the first quarter of the Cats' 20-point win over Richmond at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon and there were fears that the former Tiger would miss the remainder of the season.

But Thompson said he expects Ottens to return in four to six weeks.

"He has done a medial, grade one maybe grade two," Thompson said.

"It's a better result than we initially thought. We thought he had a posterior cruciate, which is the ruckman's curse. You don't like to see it. You know straight away when people can't get to their feet and walk or run [that] they're in a bit of trouble."

"We had our fingers crossed and it's not completely bad news."

Thompson said Trent West and Shane Mumford are the men most likely to provide support to Mark Blake in the ruck.

"We've got enough depth there. It will come out of guys like Trent West and Shane Mumford," he said.

"That's the beauty of our team. It creates opportunity for the young guys to get a few games, and we'll cope okay without him."

Meanwhile, the Cats' first round draft pick Mitch Brown will miss the rest of the season after breaking his leg during a VFL practice match against Collingwood earlier in the day.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Sewell, Campbell out

April 4th 2009 08:24
HAWTHORN has suffered a major blow ahead of Saturday night's clash against Sydney at ANZ Stadium with midfielder Brad Sewell and ruckman Robert Campbell late withdrawals.

Campbell is still struggling with a buttock injury, which means youngster Brent Renouf will be forced to ruck against Darren Jolly and Jesse White given that Simon Taylor is serving a two-match suspension.

Sewell and Campbell have been replaced in the side by Garry Moss and Mitch Thorpe, while the Swans will go into the match as named.

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


Wallace not satisfied

April 4th 2009 08:14
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace is not satisfied despite his side's honourable 20-point loss to Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Tigers showed a lot more spirit than they did in the demoralising 83-point loss to Carlton in round one but Wallace said he was hurting more after the loss to last year's grand finalists.

"I probably feel flatter today than what I did last week," Wallace said.

"A lot of people will find that strange, but we have a lot of self belief in what we are doing and what we are as people and I just thought that wasn't us last week. It was humiliating and everything else, but I knew that wasn't us."

"The game is about winning and we were never in a winning position last week and we were a real chance to win a game of footy today and it would have been great for us to get victory."

"Unfortunately we couldn't get the job done and that probably hurts me even more."

Wallace paid tribute to Geelong for their ability to close out the game.

"They know how to play winning footy and they know what to do in tough times," he said.

"The last quarter got down to ball retention and their ability to hang on to the footy and make us chase backsides. That probably took away our energy. They knew what to do at the right time to win the game."

Wallace also said he expects midfielder Richard Tambling, who was a late withdrawal for the game against Geelong because of hamstring tightness, to be available for the clash against the Western Bulldogs on Easter Monday.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Cats hold off Tigers

April 4th 2009 07:44
STEVE Johnson has inspired Geelong to a hard-fought 20-point win over a gallant Richmond side at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Johnson booted three of his four goals in the last term to help lift his side to a 15.15 (105) to 13.7 (85) victory over a Tigers outfit that showed a lot more spirit than they did in the 83-point loss to Carlton in round one.

The win was soured somewhat for the Cats with ruckman Brad Ottens carried from the field in the first term with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.

Ottens' right leg buckled after clashing knees with Richmond ruckman Troy Simmonds and he was helped from the field – straight into the Cats' rooms.

The former Tiger did not reappear in the second half and is expected to have scans on Sunday

Gary Ablett was influential with a team-high 29 possessions and one goal while Joel Corey, James Bartel and Darren Milburn won plenty of the football.

For the Tigers, Brett Deledio racked up a game-high 30 disposals while Matthew Richardson and Nathan Brown were instrumental in Richmond’s third-quarter revival and finished the match with 20-plus disposals and two goals apiece.

Geelong’s midfield was unstoppable in the opening stanza as the Cats slammed on five goals to one to take a commanding 26-point lead into quarter-time.

With Ottens off the ground, Troy Simmonds was able to dominate in the ruck.

The Tigers started to win more of the contested football and got themselves back into the contest thanks to majors from Brown and Richardson which reduced the deficit to just 16 points.

But Geelong had all the answers with Johnson and Max Rooke kicking truly to give the Cats a comfortable 31-point lead at half-time.

Most pundits would have expected the Cats to run away with the contest in the second half but the Tigers refused to be blown away and hit back with the first three goals of the third term to close to within 13 points.

All their good work looked to be undone when defender Luke McGuane gave away a silly free kick.

Cameron Mooney slotted one home from 50m and McGuane punched the ball in disgust once it had crossed the line which gave the Cats a free kick from directly in front.

Tom Hawkins kicked truly to blow the margin back out to 26 points.

Richmond showed plenty of character and responded with five of the last six goals of the term to take a one-point lead into the final change.

When Joel Bowden converted from the boundary the lacklustre Cats appeared to be in serious trouble but Johnson came to the fore and guided his side home.

GEELONG: 5.3, 8.9, 11.11, 15.15 (105)
RICHMOND: 1.1, 4.2, 12.6, 13.7 (85)

GOALS: Geelong: Johnson 4, Chapman 2, Hawkins 2, Corey, Mooney, Varcoe, Gamble, Enright, Rooke, Ablett
Richmond: Richardson 2, Brown 2, Morton 2, Schulz, Edwards, Bowden, Riewoldt, Foley, Hislop, Deledio
BEST: Geelong: Johnson, Ablett, Corey, Enright, Taylor, Milburn
Richmond : Deledio, Richardson, Brown, Newman, Bowden, Tuck
INJURIES: Geelong: Ottens (knee)
Richmond: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Tambling (Richmond) replaced in selected side by Polo
UMPIRES: Stevic, Sully, Nicholls
CROWD: 22,288 at the Skilled Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Pies overrun Dees

April 4th 2009 06:52
COLLINGWOOD has recorded its first win of the season, thumping Melbourne by 53 points at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Magpies trailed by 13 points midway through the second term but they lifted late in the first half and were simply unstoppable as they slammed on 12 of the last 15 goals of the contest to prevail 17.15 (117) to 10.4 (64).

Some of the gloss was taken off the win with defender Heath Shaw reported for crashing knees-first into Jared Rivers' lower back during the third quarter.

Josh Fraser completely outclassed Melbourne youngster Jake Spencer, helping himself to 25 possessions, 26 hit-outs and one goal.

Dane Swan benefited from Fraser’s good work at the stoppages, racking up a game-high 33 disposals while Alan Didak was just as influential with 29 touches and three goals.

Dayne Beams was impressive on debut with 18 possessions and one goal while John Anthony chimed in with four majors.

Cameron Bruce and Aaron Davey were Melbourne‘s best, racking up 30-plus touches while Brad Green tried hard all day and finished the match with 23 possessions, 13 marks and three majors.

Melbourne’s ability to find a marking target inside 50 was the difference between the two sides in the first quarter - their five first quarter goals coming from set shots.

Tarkyn Lockyer ensured the Magpies weren‘t blown away in the opening stanza, booting two of his side’s three first-term goals to make the deficit just 13 points at quarter-time.

The Demons still led by 13 points at the 12-minute mark of the second term and it appeared as if a major upset was on the cards.

But Didak came to the fore and sparked his side into action with two crucial goals.

However, he was helped by some sloppy play by the Demons.

Didak’s first major came after Melbourne youngster Kyle Cheney shanked a kick-out and then he was allowed to run around 10m and improve the angle without pressure to slot home his second before a Paul Medhurst goal gave the Magpies a seven-point lead at half-time.

Collingwood put the result well and truly beyond doubt in the third term, slamming on six goals to two to take a match-winning 33-point lead into the final change.

The final margin should have been greater but the Pies failed to make the most of their chances in front of goal in the last term, booting a wayward 3.8 for the quarter.

Collingwood will now face Geelong at the MCG on Thursday night while Melbourne will be seeking their first win of the season when they face Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Easter Monday.

COLLINGWOOD: 3.1, 8.3, 14.7, 17.15 (117)
MELBOURNE: 5.2, 7.2, 9.4, 10.4 (64)
GOALS: Collingwood: Anthony 4, Didak 3, Cloke 2, Lockyer 2, Swan, Medhurst, Fraser, N.Brown, Davis, Beams
Melbourne: Green 3, Miller, Morton, Johnson, Petterd, Bate, Bruce, McLean
BEST: Collingwood: Fraser, Davis, Swan, Anthony, Lockyer, Pendlebury
Melbourne: Morton, Bruce, Jones, Green, McDonald, Davey
INJURIES: Collingwood: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
REPORTS: Heath Shaw (Collingwood) by umpire McLaren for rough conduct on Jared Rivers (Melbourne) during the third quarter
CHANGES: Dale Thomas (virus) replaced in the Collingwood side by Dayne Beams
UMPIRES: Donlon, McLaren, H.Ryan
CROWD: 43,176 at the MCG


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Saints sink Crows

April 3rd 2009 12:36
ST KILDA remains unbeaten in 2009 after recording an impressive 32-point win over Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Friday night.

The Saints answered every challenge thrown at them by the Crows, eventually prevailing 15.11 (101) to 10.9 (69).

The loss was made worse for Adelaide with key forward Trent Hentschel sitting out the second half with a quad injury.

The umpiring is sure to be a talking point - the Saints won the free kick count 30-11.

Nick Dal Santo was influential in the middle with a game-high 35 possessions. Leigh Montagna, Sam Fisher and Jason Gram generated plenty of run with 20-plus touches while Justin Koschitzke was damaging up forward with four goals.

For the Crows, Nathan Bock was busy in defence with a team-high 29 disposals. Tyson Edwards and Scott Thompson won plenty of the football while Jason Porplyzia and Kurt Tippett chimed in with three majors apiece.

Adelaide got the first goal of the match through Porplyzia but it was the Saints who had the better of the first term.

St Kilda applied immense pressure all over the ground and moved the football quickly into the forward line where their key marking targets were causing all sorts of headaches for the Crows.

Koschitzke was particularly damaging, booting two goals for the quarter to help his side to a 12-point lead at the first change.

The Crows got off to the perfect start in the second term with Tippett kicking back-to-back goals before ruckman Ivan Maric kicked truly to give his side the lead.

But their advantage was short-lived with the Saints hitting back through Montagna who kicked a goal on the run at the 20-minute mark before Farren Ray slotted one home to give St Kilda a handy 10-point buffer at half-time.

The margin blew out to 22 points in the third term thanks to goals from Stephen Milne and Michael Gardiner who kicked truly from directly in front after Maric gave away a 50m penalty.

The Saints appeared to be in control but Adelaide lifted their rating midway through the term and got themselves back into the contest.

Taylor Walker converted from close range before two goals in two minutes from Porplyzia reduced the deficit to just five points heading into the final change.

When Tippett kicked his third in the opening minute of the final term it appeared as if a thrilling finish was on the cards.

But it was all the Saints from that moment on as they slammed on the last five goals of the contest to seal a valuable win away from home.

ADELAIDE: 2.2, 5.3, 9,8, 10.9 (69)
ST KILDA: 4.2,6.7, 10.7, 15.11 (101)
GOALS: ADELAIDE: Porplyzia 3, Tippett 3, Hentschel, Maric, Vince, Walker
ST KILDA: Koschitzke 4, Schneider 2, Riewoldt 2, King, Montagna, Ray, Geary, Milne, Gardiner, Goddard
BEST: ADELAIDE: Bock, Edwards, Thompson, Johncock, van Berlo, Dangerfield
ST KILDA: Montagna, Koschitzke, Dal Santo, Fisher, Baker, Gilbert
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: Hentschel (quad)
ST KILDA: TBC
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Kerr not injured: Burns

April 3rd 2009 08:28
WEST COAST star Daniel Kerr is not under an injury cloud heading into Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval, according to assistant coach Scott Burns.

It was reported in the West Australian that Kerr complained of soreness in his hamstring and back after last weekend's nine-point loss to the Brisbane Lions.

But Burns said on Friday that Kerr was fine and that his non participation in Tuesday's training session was just because his workload is being managed after a tough road trip.

"He's (Kerr) good," Burns said.

"It's interesting to see the hamstring/back (brought up), I'm not sure where that came from but he's fine, he'll go well."

"It was only a few days after a game, the first one, so we're certainly taking care with our senior players."

"We did the hard pre-season and in the season it's all about recovery from week to week."

"But he's fine. He's actually going really well, moving the best I thought for a little while this week at training, which is great."

Burns also called for umpires to stamp out illegal tagging tactics ahead of Kerr's crucial battle with Port Adelaide's Kane Cornes.

"He gets smashed week in, week out off the ball, which is what we're trying to clamp down on," Burns said.

"But he never seems to get too many free kicks."

"I think with blokes standing behind him and holding him down at different times, if we can make certainly the umpiring department aware of that, it'll give Kerr a bit of an advantage.

"I think when you're in a marking contest as a forward and a defender wraps his arms around you, it's a free kick.

"I don't think that changes when you're in the midfield."



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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


AFL Teams: Round Two

April 3rd 2009 07:03
2009 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON

ROUND TWO
(all times local)

Friday April 3
Adelaide v St Kilda at AAMI Stadium, 7.40pm

Saturday April 4
Collingwood v Melbourne at the MCG, 2.10pm
Geelong v Richmond at Skilled Stadium, 2.10pm
Sydney Swans v Hawthorn at ANZ Stadium, 7.10pm
Carlton v Brisbane Lions at Docklands, 7.10pm

Sunday April 5
Essendon v Fremantle at Docklands, 1.10pm
Western Bulldogs v North Melbourne at the MCG, 2.15pm
West Coast v Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval, 2.40pm

ADELAIDE v ST KILDA
ADELAIDE
B: Graham Johncock, Rutten, Andy Otten
HB: Michael Doughty, Nathan Bock, Andrew McLeod
C: Nathan van Berlo, Scott Thompson, Patrick Dangerfield
HF: Brent Reilly, Trent Hentschel, Richard Douglas
F: Jason Porplyzia, Kurt Tippett, Chris Knights
Foll: Ivan Maric, Simon Goodwin, Tyson Edwards
I/C: Taylor Walker, David Mackay, Bernie Vince, Jared Petrenko
Emg: Jonathon Griffin, Myke Cook, Robert Shirley

In: Johncock, Thompson
Out: Scott Stevens (hamstring), Myke Cook

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

In: Hayes
Out: Raphael Clarke (hamstring)

COLLINGWOOD v MELBOURNE
COLLINGWOOD
B: Shannon Cox, Simon Prestigiacomo, Heath Shaw
HB: Harry O’Brien, Nathan Brown, Nick Maxwell
C: Martin Clarke, Alan Didak, Alan Toovey
HF: Dale Thomas, Travis Cloke, Paul Medhurst
F: John Anthony, Leigh Brown, Shane O’Bree
Foll: Josh Fraser, Tarkyn Lockyer, Scott Pendlebury
I/C: Leon Davis, Ben Johnson, Dane Swan, Brad Dick
Emg: Dayne Beams, Anthony Corrie, Tyson Goldsack

In: L. Brown, Dick, Shaw
Out: Chris Bryan, Tyson Goldsack, Ben Reid

New: Leigh Brown (North Melbourne)

MELBOURNE
B: James McDonald, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Paul Johnson, Brent Moloney
C: Neville Jetta, Kyle Cheney, Clint Bartram
HF: Ricky Petterd, Brad Miller, Brock McLean
F: Colin Sylvia, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
Foll: Jake Spencer, Cameron Bruce, Brad Green
I/C: Jamie Bennell, Nathan Jones, Cale Morton, Matthew Bate
Emg: Lynden Dunn, John Meesen, Michael Newton

In: Sylvia, Martin
Out: Simon Buckley (groin), Colin Garland (foot)

GEELONG v RICHMOND
GEELONG
B: Darren Milburn, Matthew Scarlett, Andrew Mackie
HB: Joel Corey, Harry Taylor, Max Rooke
C: Jimmy Bartel, Corey Enright, Cameron Ling
HF: James Kelly, Cameron Mooney, Ryan Gamble
F: Paul Chapman, Tom Hawkins, Steve Johnson
Foll: Brad Ottens, Joel Selwood, Gary Ablett
I/C: Mark Blake, Travis Varcoe, David Wojcinski, Simon Hogan
Emg: Shannon Byrnes, Tom Gillies, Kane Tenace

In: Hogan, Hawkins
Out: Tom Lonergan (soreness), Mathew Stokes (soreness)

New: Simon Hogan (Geelong U18)

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Jake King
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Matthew White
C: Shane Edwards, Shane Tuck, Daniel Jackson
HF: Nathan Brown, Matthew Richardson, Jack Riewoldt
F: Mitch Morton, Jay Schulz, Richard Tambling
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley
I/C: Angus Graham, Tom Hislop, Robin Nahas, Alex Rance
Emg: Andrew Collins, Dean Polo, Will Thursfield

In: Rance, King, Hislop, Graham, Nahas
Out: Ben Cousins (hamstring), Andrew Raines (knee), Andrew Browne, Jordan McMahon, Will Thursfield

New: Alex Rance (Swan Districts), Tom Hislop (Essendon), Robin Nahas (Port Melbourne, rookie list)

SYDNEY SWANS v HAWTHORN
SYDNEY SWANS
B: Craig Bolton, Lewis Roberts-Thomson, Martin Mattner
HB: Rhyce Shaw, Heath Grundy, Kieren Jack
C: Jarrad McVeigh, Brett Kirk, Nick Malceski
HF: Ryan O’Keefe, Ted Richards, Craig Bird
F: Paul Bevan, Barry Hall, Jarred Moore
Foll: Darren Jolly, Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton
I/C: Luke Ablett, Jared Crouch, Brett Meredith, Jesse White
Emg: Ed Barlow, Amon Buchanan, Mike Pyke

In: Ablett, Meredith
Out: Ed Barlow, Amon Buchanan

HAWTHORN
B: Brendan Whitecross, Thomas Murphy, Brent Guerra
HB: Luke Hodge, Campbell Brown, Grant Birchall
C: Clinton Young, Sam Mitchell, Chance Bateman
HF: Cyril Rioli, Lance Franklin, Cameron Stokes
F: Mark Williams, Jarryd Roughead, Stuart Dew
Foll: Brent Renouf, Brad Sewell, Josh Kennedy
I/C: Robert Campbell, Xavier Ellis, Jarryd Morton, Ryan Schoenmakers
Emg: Beau Dowler, Garry Moss, Mitch Thorp

In: Campbell, Ellis, Kennedy, Morton
Out: Simon Taylor (suspended), Travis Tuck (shoulder), Michael Osborne (hamstring), Matthew Suckling (corked quad)

CARLTON v BRISBANE LIONS
CARLTON
B: Aaron Joseph, Michael Jamison, Chris Johnson
HB: Paul Bower, Bret Thornton, Bryce Gibbs
C: Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy, Heath Scotland
HF: Ryan Houlihan, Jarrad Waite, Mitch Robinson
F: Cameron Cloke, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Richard Hadley, Chris Judd
I/C: Jeff Garlett, Sam Jacobs, Jordan Russell, Simon Wiggins
Emg: Shaun Grigg, Shaun Hampson, Andrew Walker

No change

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Daniel Merrett, Joel Patfull
HB: Luke Power, Joel Macdonald, Josh Drummond
C: Bradd Dalziell, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Travis Johnstone, Daniel Bradshaw, Mitch Clark
Foll: Matthew Leuenberger, Albert Proud, Jed Adcock
I/C: Rhan Hooper, Cheynee Stiller, Jamie Charman, Troy Selwood
Emg: Tom Collier, Scott Harding, Tim Notting

In: Proud, Black
Out: Scott Harding, Tom Collier

ESSENDON v FREMANTLE
ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Darcy Daniher, David Myers
HB: Tayte Pears, Patrick Ryder, Dustin Fletcher
C: Jason Winderlich, Brent Stanton, Andrew Lovett
HF: Angus Monfries, Matthew Lloyd, Adam McPhee
F: Michael Quinn, Scott Lucas, Alwyn Davey
Foll: David Hille, Jobe Watson, David Zaharakis
I/C: Hayden Skipworth, Courtenay Dempsey, Heath Hocking, Ricky Dyson
Emg: Bachar Houli, Jay Neagle, Tom Bellchambers,

In: Daniher, Myers, Quinn, Zaharakis
Out: Sam Lonergan (fractured hand), Michael Hurley (quad), Jay Neagle, Bachar Houli

New: Michael Quinn (Ireland), David Zaharakis (Northern Knights)

FREMANTLE
B: Dean Solomon, Michael Johnson, Luke McPharlin
HB: Josh Head, Antoni Grover, Steven Dodd
C: Rhys Palmer, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Chris Tarrant, Byron Schammer
F: Brett Peake, Kepler Bradley, Matthew Pavlich
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Ryan Crowley, David Mundy
I/C: Scott Thornton, Nic Suban, Stephen Hill, Andrew Browne
Emg: Marcus Drum, Ryan Murphy, Roger Hayden

In: Solomon, Thornton
Out: Marcus Drum, Ryan Murphy

WESTERN BULLDOGS v NORTH MELBOURNE
WESTERN BULLDOGS
B: Dylan Addison, Brian Lake, Tom Williams
HB: Callan Ward, Dale Morris, Ryan Hargrave
C: Daniel Cross, Ryan Griffen, Josh Hill
HF: Lindsay Gilbee, Mitch Hahn, Brad Johnson
F: Daniel Giansiracusa, Will Minson, Jason Akermanis
Foll: Ben Hudson, Matthew Boyd, Shaun Higgins
I/C: Adam Cooney, Nathan Eagleton, Tim Callan, Liam Picken
Emg: Andrejs Everitt, Jarrod Harbrow, Stephen Tiller

In: Picken, Callan
Out: Andrejs Everitt, Stephen Tiller

New: Liam Picken (Williamstown)

NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Daniel Pratt, Josh Gibson, Scott McMahon
HB: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Leigh Harding
C: Daniel Wells, Adam Simpson, Lachlan Hansen
HF: Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie, Ed Lower
F: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Matt Campbell
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Brady Rawlings, Sam Power
I/C: Andrew Swallow, Gavin Urquhart, Jack Ziebell, Todd Goldstein
Emg: Ben Ross, Josh Smith, Daniel Harris

In: Goldstein
Out: Josh Smith

WEST COAST v PORT ADELAIDE
WEST COAST
B: Eric Mackenzie, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Mark Nicoski, Mitch Brown, Shannon Hurn
C: Matt Rosa, Daniel Kerr, Adam Selwood
HF: Andrew Embley, Ashley Hansen, Chad Fletcher
F: Mark LeCras, Quinten Lynch, Ben McKinley
Foll: Dean Cox, Matt Priddis, Chris Masten
I/C: Brad Ebert, Brett Jones, Adam Hunter, Tyson Stenglein
Emg: Ryan Davis, Mark Seaby, Brent Staker

In: Selwood, McKinley, B Jones, Hunter
Out: Samuel Butler, Matt Spangher, Mark Seaby, Brent Staker

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Dom Cassisi
C: Shaun Burgoyne, Chad Cornes, Steven Salopek
HF: Robert Gray, Justin Westhoff, Peter Burgoyne
F: Brett Ebert, Warren Tredrea, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Brendon Lade, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Travis Boak, Josh Carr, David Rodan, Toby Thurstans
Emg: Matt Thomas, Tom Logan, Wade Thompson

In: Thurstans
Out: Dean Brogan (suspended)
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Garland's season in doubt

April 3rd 2009 06:11
MELBOURNE has suffered a major blow with promising young defender Colin Garland expected to miss the remainder of the season with a stress fracture in his right foot.

Garland felt soreness in his right foot following last Sunday's 34-point loss to North Melbourne and was sent for scans that confirmed the the stress fracture to the navicular bone.

The Demons are likely to take a conserative approach with Garland and not play him again till 2010 at the earliest given that it is the same injury that has sidelined Geelong defender Matthew Egan since September 2007 but Melbourne coach Dean Bailey is hopeful of a quicker comeback.

"This is obviously disappointing for Colin and for the team. Colin is a vital player for us, but his longevity in the game is important, and while this is a short hiccup we look forward to having him back in the later rounds of this season," Bailey said.

Meanwhile, Melbourne has appointed former Kangaroo, Magpie and Bulldog Tim Harrington as its list manager.

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


Johnson to miss at least eight weeks

April 3rd 2009 06:04
THE AFL future of former Richmond skipper Kane Johnson is in serious doubt after being placed on the long-term injury list.

Johnson, who has been struggling with patella tendon knee soreness, requires further rest to overcome the injury.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace said he expects Johnson to be right for the second half of the season.

“Kane Johnson was put on the long-term injury list throughout the week, which is a little disappointing, but from that point-of-view, he’ll miss eight weeks and that’ll have him back for the second half of the year,” he said.

“He had two episodes with the knee over the summer and had an operation on the knee, so it’ll just take a bit of time.

“It’s more patella (kneecap) – it’s from being knocked rather than it being strained."

“Both of them were done on the ground, so knee into hard surfaces created both the injuries, unfortunately they just take time.”

The Tigers have elevated rookie Robin Nahas to the senior list to replace Johnson.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Football becoming too 'precious': Williams

April 3rd 2009 05:52
THE game is becoming too 'precious' according to Port Adelaide coach Mark Williamss.

Williams' comments came after he was asked about Dean Brogan's suspension at a media conference at Alberton on Friday.

Brogan was given a one-week ban for his clash with Essendon speedster Andrew Lovett after the quarter-time siren last Sunday.

"For my view, two players walking and one bumps into the other one and yes he did it ... gee whiz, footy is getting a little precious," Williams said.

"It was pretty insignificant as far as I was concerned."

Lovett was targeted by the Power but Williams said Port's roughhouse tactics against the 26-year-old had been blown out of proportion.

"The people that were supposedly targeted would almost be laughing about it. Lovett gets up and kicks a goal because someone talks to him on the ground, who would care .... there's nothing really in it," he said.

Williams also said Port wasn't alone when it came to targetting key opposition players.

"We identified there were three or four players, like West Coast will do or we will do this week or any other club, there are three or four players that really do influence the results. Whether it's tagging someone or playing closer to someone or trying to elbow them a bit," he said.

"It happens every week of every game so I'm thinking there are people trying to make more of it than it is."

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Wallace expects lift

April 3rd 2009 05:39
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace says he's expecting a more competitive effort from his side against Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Saturday following the demoralising 83-point loss to Carlton in round one.

Wallace said the Tigers will be judged not by what's promised but by what the players deliver on the field on Saturday.

"The response is how you go about your football it's not about what you say or what you do from the training track, although the training track is obviously where it starts," Wallace said.

"Really our supporters want to see a competitive group and that's what the players have got to show."

Richmond's emphasis on winning the contested football and exerting physical pressure was underlined by the inclusion of hard nut Jake King and former Bomber Tom Hislop among five changes made for the clash with last year's grand finalists.

Wallace also said his main priority this week has been to maintain confidence among the playing group after the round one debacle.

"If you start bashing people around after one round, it's a long way to go," he said.

"Our aims and objectives haven't changed because of one round of footy."

"Certainly our mindset needs to change and the way we go about it needs to change but our aims and ambitions haven't changed at all."

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


Cornes slams Lovett over tribunal role

April 3rd 2009 05:16
ESSENDON speedster Andrew Lovett broke the players' "code of silence" according to Port Adelaide utility Chad Cornes.

Lovett's testimony played a signifcant part in ruckman Dean Brogan's one-match suspension given that there was no video footage of the incident.

Cornes said Lovett's decision to give evidence against Brogan at the tribunal on Tuesday night was "really disappointing".

"I think he (Lovett) will look back in a couple of years and be pretty disappointed with himself, the way he handled that," Cornes said.

"Unfortunately we don't play them again this year, but we look forward to playing them next year."

Cornes also said the Power won't be curtailing their aggressive ways this season because of Brogan's suspension.

"You've seen over the pre-season that we've really got that aggression and toughness back into our footy," he said.

"It's been a big focus over the pre-season, we got heavily criticised last year, so it's been one of the things most of us have worked on especially in the weights room and that kind of thing."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Gilbert re-signs

April 3rd 2009 04:49
ST KILDA utility Sam Gilbert has ended speculation that he might join the new Gold Coast team by signing a two-year deal with the Saints which will see him remain at the club until at least the end of the 2011 season.

Gilbert, recruited from Southport with pick 33 in the 2005 NAB AFL Draft, has played 40 AFL games since his debut in 2006.

St Kilda football manager Matthew Drain said Gilbert is an important part of the team.

"Sam is an important part of our team and we are delighted that he has re-committed to the club," Drain said.

"He is an exciting young player who gives us options with his flexibility, can adapt to playing in different positions and we expect will still develop as a player."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Eade wants to remain at the Dogs

April 3rd 2009 04:37
WESTERN BULLDOGS coach Rodney Eade says he wants to remain at the Whitten Oval.

Eade, who comes out of the contract at the end of the season, could be the target of rival clubs for 2010 given that six other coaches are also out of contract at the end of 2009.

But Eade said he had no plans to go anywhere else.

"That is a ridiculous question, I am a Bulldogs person and that is my whole focus," he said.

However, Eade did say he was happy to leave contract negotiations till the end of the year and focus on helping get the Dogs to their first grand final since 1961.

“I think it is the sort of thing that will be sorted out in its own time,” he said.

“I don’t think there’s any rush from either party.”

"I would love to stay no doubt about that but the main thing is the job at hand at the moment."

"We are only one game into the season and it's a pretty big year for us."

"We had a good year last year and we want to cement that and hopefully go further."

"I haven't thought about next year or the future, it's about this season and I know its an old cliche but we have got to focus on the job at hand this year and we don't want to get distracted from that."


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


Pavlich isn't injured, says Harvey

April 1st 2009 06:33
FREMANTLE skipper Matthew Pavlich isn't carrying a knee injury according to coach Mark Harvey.

Pavlich's below par performance in the Dockers' 63-point loss to the Western Bulldogs last Sunday has led several AFL clubs to believe the Fremantle skipper is still suffering from the knee injury that ended his 2008 season two weeks early.

But Harvey said Pavlich was fine and that he was confident that his star forward would bounce back against Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

"It's been a topic of debate the last couple of days, (but) there's nothing wrong with Pav," Harvey said.

"Pav's a proud person and you'll find that he'll rebound quite quickly."

"Not that I thought he had a (bad game). His game was okay but it wasn't to the normal standard."

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


Hayden set to miss

April 1st 2009 04:46
FREMANTLE defender Roger Hayden looks set to miss Sunday's clash against Essendon at Etihad Stadium with a hamstring injury.

Dockers coach Mark Harvey said Hayden, who was a late withdrawal from the side that was thumped to the tune of 63 points by the Western Bulldogs at Subiaco Oval last weekend, is unlikely to play.

“He's got a slight hamstring and it only happened in the middle of last week so we are just going to monitor it but I would say he's doubtful,'' Harvey said.

In some good news for the Dockers, rugged utility Dean Solomon will play against the Bombers after serving an eight-match ban for striking Geelong midfielder Cameron Ling with an elbow to the face in round 15 last year.

Harvey said Solomon is an integral part of the side and that he isn't being rushed back simply so he can play in best mate Chris Tarrant's 200th game.

"He's (Solomon) played all of the practice games, so he's fully wound up from a fitness aspect, had a good pre-season," Harvey said.

"This charade or the romance (of Tarrant's 200th) is not there, legitimately we need Dean to play in our side at the moment."

"So, you've obviously got out of this that he's playing (but) Dean is big bodied, plays hard and that complements a young side."

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


Worsfold defends McKinley

April 1st 2009 04:36
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold has angrily dismissed suggestions that forward Ben McKinley was dropped for last weekend's clash against Brisbane for disciplinary reasons.

McKinley, who was the club's leading goal-kicker last season with 42 goals, was dropped to the emergency list for last Saturday night's nine-point loss to the Lions.

Worsfold said McKinley didn't feature in the club's best 22 for that match and there was no other reason for his exclusion.

"There was a few players very disappointed that they didn't quite make it into that Round 1 side, but we selected a side that warranted their position in that first 22," Worsfold said.

"Someone else would have missed out in the line up if Ben played."

When a journalist asked whether McKinley was dropped for disciplinary reasons, Worsfold lashed out.

"(There were) no discipline factors, that's pretty obscene to question Ben McKinley of discipline factors," Worsfold said to the journalist.

"I don't know why you should raise that."

“You disagree with our selection policies, so that's fine ... I disagree with a lot of your views on football.''

Worsfold also said that Adam Selwood, who underwent minor knee surgery during the summer, would be an automatic inclusion if he proved his fitness.

Meanwhile, the versatile Adam Hunter looks set to return for Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide at Subiaco Oval after booting three goals for Swan Districts last weekend.

Hunter failed to play a game for the Eagles during the pre-season after being troubled by pain in his reconstructed shoulder but has played the last two matches in the WAFL.


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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Judd will play: Ratten

April 1st 2009 04:16
CARLTON skipper Chris Judd will play in Saturday night's clash against the Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium despite suffering a heavy bout of the flu which has kept him bed-ridden since last weekend.

Blues coach Brett Ratten said Judd would take part in Wednesday's closed training session at Visy Park.

"He's fine, he'll train today and we might look after him a bit today but he'll go for a run and do something tomorrow and train again," Ratten said.

"He'll play for sure."

Ratten also said star forward Brendon Fevola's bruised heel was a bit tender after the round one clash against Richmond but his condition had improved significantly since.

"He's pretty much through the worst of it now," Ratten said.

"There might be a little bit lingering there, but it's not too bad."

"There's sort of just a little spot there and it's slowly just going away - it might be the last week of it or it might be fine by the weekend."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Carlton Blues
   


Brogan hit with one-match ban

April 1st 2009 04:15
PORT ADELAIDE ruckman Dean Brogan will miss Sunday's clash against West Coast at Subiaco Oval after being given a one-match suspension for engaging in rough conduct with Essendon speedster Andrew Lovett

Brogan was initially hit with a two-match ban but had it halved after the tribunal ruled his actions to reckless rather than intentional.

Meanwhile, Geelong forward Steve Johnson was cleared of attempting to strike Hawthorn vice-captain Luke Hodge at the MCG last Friday night.

The tribunal threw out the charge which attracted a reprimand only after accepting Johnson's evidence that he was trying to push Hodge away.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Franklin wants to stay a Hawk

April 1st 2009 04:13
HAWTHORN star Lance Franklin has declared that he will stay a Hawk for life.

Franklin, who comes out of contract at the end of next year, is likely to be targeted by the new Gold Coast team which was give a provisional licence to become the AFL's 17th team from 2011 but the 2008 Coleman medallist ruled himself out as a recruiting target.

"I'll never look like leaving Hawthorn ever, I love the club," Franklin said.

"We just know that we've got a great group of boys that obviously won a premiership last year and we just want to keep having success and that's got to keep the core group together," he said.

"We just want to stick together and win some more premierships."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


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