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AFL Central - May 2009

Pies overrun Power

May 31st 2009 10:42
COLLLINGWOOD has overcome a sluggish start to down Port Adelaide by 38 points at the MCG on Sunday night.

The Magpies trailed by 19 points in the second quarter but took control of the contest in the third term before going on to record an impressive 17.12 (114) to 11.10 (76) victory.

The result sees the Pies move to sixth place on the AFL ladder with a 5-5 win-loss record.

The Power has now lost successive games for the first time this year to slump to 10th place on the ladder with five wins from their first ten matches.

The loss was made worse for Port with star Chad Cornes finishing the game on the bench with what appeared to be a calf injury.


Dane Swan starred with a career-high 48 possessions, 28 of which came in the first half while Heath Shaw and Scott Pendlebury were also prolific.

Brad Dick was influential with 25 touches and three goals while Leigh Brown played his best game for the club, helping himself to 18 disposals, seven marks and two goals.

John Anthony booted four majors while Simon Prestigiacomo kept former Port skipper Warren Tredrea to just one goal.

For the Power, skipper Domenic Cassisi racked up a team-high 30 possessions while Kane Cornes collected 29 touches and kept Magpies star Leon Davis quiet.

Danyle Pearce, Travis Boak and Steven Salopek also won plenty of the football.

Collingwood goalsneak Alan Didak got his side off to a perfect start when he goaled on the run but it was Port who had the better of the opening stanza, dominating at the clearances as they booted five of the last six goals of the term to go into quarter-time with a 13-point lead.

A power outage 11 minutes into the first term briefly put three of the main light towers out of action but the game continued without incident.


The Pies closed to within seven points when Didak kicked his second but majors from Matthew Westhoff and Brendon Lade saw the Power skip out to a 19-point lead a the 19-minute mark of the second term.

Anthony stepped up and ensured his side remained within striking distance at half-time, booting back-to-back goals to reduce the deficit to just six points at the main break.

The Magpies turned the game on its head in the third quarter, slamming on seven straight goals to make it nine unanswered as the margin blew out to 37 points at the 20-minute mark.

Two goals from Brett Ebert stopped the rot but Collingwood had all the answers and went into three-quarter time with a 38-point buffer after Steele Sidebottom and Dick kicked truly.

Collingwood's third term score of 9.3 (57) was its best ever quarter against Port Adelaide,

Jacob Surjan gave his side a glimmer of hope but the Magpies kicked two of the last three goals in a largely uneventful final term to secure a crucial win.

COLLINGWOOD: 3.1, 6.5, 15.8, 17.12 (114)
PORT ADELAIDE: 5.2, 7.5, 9.6, 11.10 (76)

GOALS: Collingwood: Anthony 4, Didak 3, Dick 3, L.Brown 2, Davis, Clarke, Sidebottom, Swan, Lockyer
Port Adelaide: Ebert 3, Tredrea, Rodan, Surjan, Westhoff, Lade, Cassisi, Pearce, Gray
BEST: Collingwood: Swan, L.Brown, Dick, Anthony, Pendlebury, Shaw
Port Adelaide: Cassisi, K.Cornes, Salopek, Chaplin, Boak, Pearce, Surjan
INJURIES: Collingwood: TBC
Port Adelaide: C.Cornes (calf)
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: M.Westhoff replaced D.Motlop in Port Adelaide's selected side
UMPIRES: Margetts, McLaren, Armstrong
CROWD: 34,793 at the MCG
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Classy Cats crush dismal Dons

May 31st 2009 07:48
GEELONG remains unbeaten in 2009 after thumping Essendon to the tune of 64 points at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Cats set up the victory with seven unanswered goals either side of quarter-time before cruising to an easy 20.14 (134) to 11.4 (70) win.

Geelong was simply a class above their opponents who were given a major reality check after a promising start to the season.

Some off the gloss was taken off the victory for the Cats with skipper Tom Harley suffering a hamstring injury in the first term.

The loss sees the Bombers slip outside the top eight to ninth spot with a 5-5 win-loss record.

Joel Selwood showed why he is regarded as one of the best young midfielders in the competition with a game-high 37 possessions and two goals while Gary Ablett was just as damaging with 30 disposals and two goals.

Steve Johnson continued his superb start to the season with 21 touches, 11 marks and six goals while Shannon Byrnes stepped up in the absence of the injured Joel Corey, helping himself to 30 disposals, nine marks and two majors.

Cameron Mooney booted four goals in his return from suspension while Andrew Mackie generated plenty of run with 28 disposals.

Cameron Ling quelled the influence of Jobe Watson while Matthew Scarlett restricted skipper Matthew Lloyd to just one goal.

For the Bombers, youngster Bachar Houli collected a team-high 31 possessions while Cale Hooker kept Tom Hawkins and racked up 22 touches and booted one goal.

The Dons got off to a dream start with Jay Neagle goaling inside the first minute but the rest of the term belonged to Geelong who slammed on six unanswered goals to skip out to a commanding 33-point lead at quarter-time.

The onslaught didn’t stop in the second term with Mooney kicking truly after the Cats won the first centre clearance.

Ricky Dyson stopped the rot when he slotted one home but Essendon’s joy was short-lived with Geelong piling on five of the last six goals of the first half to open up a match-winning 60-point lead at half-time.

It was the Johnson show in the third term - the classy Geelong forward doing as he pleased as he helped himself to four goals for the term to blow the margin out to 82 points heading into the final change.

With the result well and truly beyond doubt the Cats took their foot off the pedal as the Bombers booted six goals to three in the final stanza to save themselves from total embarrassment.

ESSENDON: 1.1, 3.1, 5.3, 11.4 (70)
GEELONG: 6.4, 12.7, 17.13, 20.14 (134)

GOALS: Essendon: Neagle 3, Hocking 2, Lloyd, Dyson, McVeigh, Lonergan, Lovett, Stanton
Geelong: S.Johnson 6, Mooney 4, Selwood 2, Byrnes 2, Ablett 2, Ling 2, Rooke, Varcoe
BEST: Essendon: Houli, Hooker, Hocking, Lovett
Geelong: S.Johnson, Selwood, Scarlett, Mackie, Ablett, Enright, Mooney, Byrnes, Ling
INJURIES: Essendon: Nil
Geelong: Harley (hamstring)
UMPIRES: Donlon, Meredith, Keating
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 48,852 at Etihad Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Crows upset Hawks

May 31st 2009 06:56
ADELAIDE has strung together back-to-back wins for the first time this season after recording an impressive 27-point victory over Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Crows got the early jump and survived a third-quarter onslaught from the Hawks, eventually prevailing 16.10 (106) to 12.7 (79).

Scott Thompson starred in the middle with a game-high 38 possessions while David Mackay and Michael Doughty also won plenty of the football.

Ben Rutten and Nathan Bock did a superb blanketing job on Hawthorn’s star forwards in Jarryd Roughead and Lance Franklin, restricting them to just one and three goals respectively.

Up forward, impressive youngster Taylor Walker booted five first half goals while Chris Knights continued his good form with four majors.

For the Hawks, Jordan Lewis and Brad Sewell racked up a team-high 31 possessions apiece while Cyril Rioli showed his class with four goals.

The Crows stamped their authority on the contest in the first term, applying immense pressure and punishing the Hawks on the rebound.

Their willingness to run in waves and move the football quickly paid handsome dividends as they slammed on seven goals to two to open up a 30-point lead at quarter-time.

The only highlight for Hawthorn in what was a disappointing opening stanza was a brilliant goal from Rioli from deep in the pocket which will surely come into consideration for goal-of-the-year honours.

Rioli kept his side in the contest with two goals early in the second term but with Walker providing a target up forward the Crows were able to skip out to a commanding lead.

The Adelaide young gun booted three of his side’s five goals for the quarter to help the Crows skip out to a 48-point break at half-time.

The Hawks lifted their rating in the third term and got back into the contest thanks to the efforts of Sewell, Lewis and skipper Sam Mitchell who won plenty of the contested football.

Chance Bateman finished off their good work with two goals while Franklin and Rioli chimed with majors as the Hawks closed to within 23 points at three-quarter time.

Hawthorn kicked four goals in the final stanza but the Crows had all the answers with a brilliant snap from Richard Douglas putting the result beyond doubt.

Adelaide will now take on Essendon at the MCG on Sunday afternoon while the Hawks will clash with Sydney at Etihad Stadium in what shapes as being a crucial contest for both sides.

ADELAIDE: 7.1, 12.4, 12.5, 16.10 (106)
HAWTHORN: 2.1,4.4, 8.6, 12.7 (79)
GOALS: ADELAIDE: Walker 5, Knights 4, Doughty 2, Tippett, Dangerfield, Vince, Douglas, Stevens
HAWTHORN: Rioli 4, Franklin 3, Bateman 2, Lewis, Dew, Roughead
BEST: ADELAIDE: Thompson, Bock, Doughty, Mackay, Walker, Knights, Vince, Rutten
HAWTHORN: Rioli, Lewis, Sewell, Ellis, Birchall
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: Nil
HAWTHORN: Whitecross (hamstring)
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Chamberlain, Findlay, Ryan
CROWD: 40,035 at the AAMI Stadium

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


Round ten preview: Collingwood v Port Adelaide

May 30th 2009 15:07
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Sunday 31 May, 4.40pm AEST

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 17, Collingwood 8, Port Adelaide 9

LAST TIME: Collingwood 16.10 (106) def Port Adelaide 10.15 (75), Round 20 2008 at AAMI Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Collingwood has won four of its past five against Port Adelaide but the Power has won the past two clashes between these two sides at the MCG.

FORM: Collingwood snapped a two-game losing streak with an impressive 22-point win over West Coast at Subiaco Oval last weekend. The victory saw the Magpies move to 10th place on the AFL ladder with a 4-5 win-loss record. Port Adelaide’s inconsistent start to the season continued when they were thumped to the tune of 55 points by Sydney at the SCG last Sunday. The Power are just inside the eight with five wins from their first nine matches.

MEDICAL ROOM: Collingwood welcomes back Alan Didak and Dale Thomas from hamstring and knee injuries respectively but are still without Anthony Rocca (groin), Paul Medhurst (ankle), Sean Rusling (fractured cheekbone) and Ben Reid who was a late withdrawal from the clash against the Eagles. Key forward Travis Cloke (hamstring) and Ben Johnson (broken leg) are one to two weeks away from resuming. For Port, exciting youngster Nathan Krakouer returns after missing the game against the Swans with general soreness. Star midfielder Shaun Burgoyne is expected to be sidelined for at least three to four more weeks with a knee injury while forward Justin Westhoff (foot) is a fortnight away from being considered for selection.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Kane Cornes vs. Dane Swan

Swan was instrumental in his side’s win over the Eagles with 36 possessions, 11 marks and seven inside 50’s.

The 25-year-old provides plenty of drive through the middle - he is ranked fifth in the AFL for kicks per game and seventh for inside 50’s.

Port will need to limit his impact on the contest if they are going to have any hope of starving Collingwood’s forwards of quality supply.

Cornes is regarded as one of the best taggers in the AFL and will be given the task of running Swan on Sunday.

Port will need Cornes deny Swan any time or space otherwise he will continually deliver the football cleanly inside 50 to his teammates.

Expect Cornes, who has averaged just under 26 touches per game so far this season, to try and hurt Swan going the other way.

Harry O’Brien vs. Brett Ebert

Ebert has struggled so far this season, booting just 10 goals in nine games.

However, he still looms as a danger man for the Magpies as he has booted nine goals in his past three matches against the Pies, including four in Port’s last win over Mick Malthouse’s men in round 18, 2006.

Despite standing at just 179cm, Ebert is very good overhead so you would expect O’Brien to be given first crack at the Port forward as he is capable of matching him in the air.

If Ebert is going to have any hope of having an impact he will need his midfield to be smart with their use of the football and not just bomb it in haphazardly into the forward line otherwise O’Brien will be able to out-body him and punish the Power on the rebound.

Domenic Cassisi vs. Leon Davis

Davis stepped up in the absence of some of his teammates last weekend, racking up 32 quality touches and booting three goals - two of which came early in the final term to put the result beyond doubt.

The last time these two sides met in round 20 last year Davis starred with 28 possessions, one goal and eight inside 50’s in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

Davis is damaging with his ability to not only consistently kick goals but also set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clever use of the football.

Port will need to shut-down his run and creativity if they are going to secure a valuable win away from home.

Cassisi is Port’s second best stopper in the midfield and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Davis.

The Power will need their skipper, who is ranked third in the AFL for tackles per game with an average of 7.2, to apply relentless pressure all day otherwise Davis will be the match-winner for the second week in a row.

Dale Thomas vs. Danyle Pearce

Pearce failed to have his usual impact in the loss to the Swans, managing just 15 disposals - well down on his season average of 21 possessions per game.

So far this season when Pearce fires the Power invariably go on to win so quelling his influence will be a key for the Magpies.

Thomas has the pace to match Pearce and is an obvious candidate to go head-to-head with the 2006 NAB Rising star winner in what shapes as being an intriguing battle between two of the game’s brightest young stars.

The Magpies will need Thomas to push forward at every available opportunity and be a goal kicker as it will force Pearce to worry about his direct opponent which in turn will help limit his impact on the contest as a line breaking midfielder.

VERDICT: So far this season Port Adelaide has backed up a disappointing performance with a win and they would fancy their chances of continuing that trend on Sunday given that they have won the past two clashes against Collingwood at the home of football. However, with former skipper Warren Tredrea the only forward in form they will struggle to kick a big enough score to defeat a Magpies side that has been bolstered by the return of two of their most dynamic players in Thomas and Didak. Magpies by 14 points.

COLLINGWOOD v PORT ADELAIDE
COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Nick Maxwell, Nathan Brown, Shannon Cox
C: Alan Toovey, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dale Thomas
HF: Scott Pendlebury, John Anthony, Leon Davis
F: Alan Didak, Cameron Wood, Heath Shaw
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: Martin Clarke, Brad Dick, Steele Sidebottom, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: Ryan Cook, Tyson Goldsack, Ben Reid

In: Thomas, Didak
Out: Tyson Goldsack, Ryan Cook

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

In: Krakouer, Rodan
Out: Josh Carr, Marlon Motlop
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Round ten preview: Essendon v Geelong

May 30th 2009 14:19
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 31 May, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 205: Essendon 112, Geelong 88, Drawn 5

LAST TIME: Geelong 22.18 (150) d Essendon 6.15 (51) at Etihad Stadium, Round 2, 2008

RECENT HISTORY: Geelong has won six of its past seven against Essendon with five of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: Geelong’s unbeaten start to the season almost came to an end last weekend but Western Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson’s set shot after the siren from an acute sprayed wide as the Cats held on for a three-point win. Essendon overcame a sluggish start to thump Richmond to the tune of 40 points in the annual Dreamtime match at the MCG. The Bombers currently occupy sixth place on the AFL ladder with a 5-4 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Cats welcome back veteran defender Darren Milburn from an ankle injury but will be without Ryan Gamble who suffered concussion in the win over the Dogs. Paul Chapman (finger) and Shannon Byrnes (hamstring) will miss at least a week while Brad Ottens is a chance to return in round 12 from a knee injury. Matthew Egan (foot), Josh Hunt (knee) and youngster Mitch Brown (broken leg) are out for the season. For the Bombers, Hayden Skipworth and Mark McVeigh return from hamstring and ankle injuries respectively but veteran Courtenay Dempsey will miss after suffering an ankle injury against the Tigers. Dustin Fletcher (leg), Scott Gumbleton (back) and Andrew Welsh (ankle) remain on the sidelines while ruckman David Hille is out for the year with a knee injury.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Heath Hocking vs. Gary Ablett

Ablett made a stunning return from injury against the Bulldogs last weekend, helping himself to a game-high 38 possessions and four goal assists.

The last time these two sides met in round two last year Ablett earned the three Brownlow votes for his 36-possessions, one goal and seven inside 50’s.

Shutting down Ablett’s creative run will be a key for the Bombers if they are going to contain a Geelong side that has the most potent forward line in the AFL.

Hocking has been given some big tagging jobs so far in 2009 and will most likely be given the unenviable task of running with the Cats star.

While it vital that Hocking doesn’t give Ablett any time or space at the stoppages, the Dons need their young midfielder to be proactive and get his hands on the football in order to make the 25-year-old accountable.

Cameron Ling vs. Jobe Watson

Watson overcame a slow start against Richmond to finish the match with 24 disposals - 14 of which were by hand.

The son of former Essendon champion Tim Watson is an integral part of the Bombers midfield with his ability to win the football in close and dish it off by hand to find speedsters such as Andrew Lovett, Jason Winderlich and Alwyn Davey in space.

Limiting his influence at the stoppages will go a long way towards shutting down the Dons’ running game.

Watson faces a tough afternoon at the office with the number one tagger in the competition in Ling to be his direct opponent.

Not only will Ling apply relentless pressure all day but he will also try and hurt Watson going the other way - in the round two clash last year Ling collected 31 touches and booted one goal in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

Adam McPhee vs. Steve Johnson

Johnson was instrumental in the win over the Bulldogs, booting five goals to take his season tally to 26 majors.

McPhee is able to match Johnson in the air and at ground level and will most likely be given first crack at the Cats leading goal kicker.

Expect McPhee, who has averaged just under 18 possessions per game so far this season, to run off Johnson at every available opportunity and try and hurt him on the rebound.

If the former Fremantle Docker is going to have any hope of containing the classy Geelong forward he will need his midfield to suffocate the Cats with their pressure and deny them the use of the corridor otherwise Johnson will receive enough quality supply to kick yet another bag.

Matthew Scarlett vs. Matthew Lloyd

Lloyd continued his solid start to the season with four goals against Richmond last weekend.

The Dons will need another big performance from their skipper if they are going to secure their sixth win of the season.

However, his task won’t be an easy one as he will be matched up by one of the best defenders in the competition in Scarlett.

If Lloyd is going to have any impact on the scoreboard he will need his midfield to break the lines and deliver the football cleanly inside 50 otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by the likes of Scarlett who had 27 possessions against the Dogs.

VERDICT: Essendon has claimed some major scalps so far this season but it is highly unlikely that they will string together back-to-back wins on Sunday for the first time since round three. The Bombers will take the game on and have brief periods of dominance but Geelong has simply too much class and will punish the Dons on the rebound. Cats by 26 points.

ESSENDON v GEELONG
ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Tayte Pears, Bachar Houli
HB: Brent Stanton, Adam McPhee, Cale Hooker
C: Ricky Dyson, Heath Hocking, David Zaharakis
HF: Angus Monfries, Jay Neagle, Andrew Lovett
F: Alwyn Davey, Matthew Lloyd, Sam Lonergan
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Jobe Watson, Jason Winderlich
I/C: Tom Bellchambers, Hayden Skipworth, Leroy Jetta, Mark McVeigh
Emg: Scott Lucas, David Myers, Jay Nash

In: Skipworth, McVeigh
Out: Courtenay Dempsey (ankle), Nathan Lovett-Murray (susp)

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

In: Djerrkura, Mooney, Milburn
Out: Mathew Stokes (susp), Paul Chapman (finger), Ryan Gamble

New: Nathan Djerrkura (Wanderers/NT)

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Round ten preview: Adelaide v Hawthorn

May 30th 2009 13:53
VENUE and TIME: AAMI Stadium, Sunday 31 May, 1.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 27, Adelaide 15, Hawthorn 12

LAST TIME: Hawthorn 11.10 (76) d Adelaide 10.12 (72), Round 12 at AAMI Stadium, 2008

RECENT HISTORY: Hawthorn has won its past three against Adelaide with one of those wins coming at AAMI Stadium.

MEDICAL ROOM: Adelaide welcomes back star defender Nathan Bock who has missed the past three weeks with a hamstring injury. Key forward Trent Hentschel is at least another five to six weeks away from returning from a knee injury while Brett Burton (knee) is also unavailable. For the Hawks, youngster Garry Moss and Cameron Stokes will miss with knee and hamstring injuries respectively. Luke Hodge (abdominal strain) will be sidelined for one to two weeks while Rick Ladson (knee) is a fortnight away from resuming. Max Bailey (knee), Trent Croad (foot) and Stephen Gilham (knee) are sidelined indefinitely while Tim Boyle is out for the season with a knee injury.

FORM: Adelaide snapped a three-game losing streak with an impressive 44-point win over Carlton at AAMI Stadium last Sunday. It was the Crows first win at home for the season and saw them remain in touch with the top eight with a 4-5 win-loss record. Hawthorn has won four of its past five matches after downing bottom-placed Melbourne by 22 points at the MCG last Sunday. The reigning premiers sit inside the top eight with five wins from their first nine matches.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Michael Doughty vs. Sam Mitchell

Mitchell was influential in his side’s thrilling four-point win over Adelaide in round 10 last year, racking up 25 disposals in a performance that earned him the three Brownlow medal votes.

The Hawthorn skipper is damaging with his ability to win the football at close quarters and use it cleanly by hand to find his teammates in space.

Limiting his influence in the middle will be a key for the Crows if they are going to contain the Hawks talent-laden forward line.

Doughty kept Carlton skipper Chris Judd to just 19 possessions last weekend and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Mitchell on Sunday.

The Adelaide midfielder was able to keep Judd quiet because he applied relentless pressure and also made the 2004 Brownlow medallist accountable by winning his fair share of the football - he collected 26 touches.

He will need to do the same against Hawthorn otherwise Mitchell will dictate terms in the middle and find his teammates in space who will continually pump the football inside 50 to Jarryd Roughead, Lance Franklin and co.

Brad Sewell vs. Scott Thompson

Thompson was instrumental in the Crows’ victory over the Blues with 30 possessions and four inside 50’s.

The former Demon is highly effective at winning the contested football and delivering to his forwards - he is first at Adelaide for first possessions and third for inside 50’s.

The Hawks will be keen to shut-down the drive he provides through the middle of the ground as the Crows forwards will struggle to receive enough quality supply to kick a winning score to overcome a Hawthorn side that has the sixth best attack in the AFL without him having an impact.

Sewell is Hawthorn’s best stopper in the midfield and will most likely be given the job of tagging Thompson.

The 25-year-old, who has quelled the influence of some of the premier midfielders in the competition in his 92-game career, will not give Thompson any time or space and will also test out the defensive side of his game.

Nathan Bock vs. Lance Franklin

Franklin hasn’t been at his mercurial best so far this season but he has stilled booted 31 goals in nine games.

Last year’s Coleman medallist looms as the main danger man for the Crows given that he has booted 14 goals in his past three matches against Neil Craig’s men.

He could have easily kicked a bag in the round 10 clash last year but he failed to capitalise in front of goal, kicking a wasteful 1.6.

Bock has the height and athleticism to match Franklin and will be given first crack at the Hawthorn star.

However, Bock will be lacking match fitness as he has missed the past three matches and he could well be exposed if the Hawks are able to get the football into the forward line quickly.

In last weekend’s win over Carlton the Crows suffocated the Blues with their pressure skills. They will need to play with the same level of intensity against the Hawks otherwise Franklin will feast of an endless supply of quality football.

Thomas Murphy vs. Jason Porplyzia

Porplyzia was among his side’s best the last time these two sides met with 22 disposals, six marks and three goals.

The 24-year-old continued his ultra-consistent start to the season against the Blues with two goals, taking his season tally to 22 goals.

Despite standing at just 178cm, Porplyzia is very good overhead so you would expect someone like Murphy who is able to match him in the air to be given first crack at the classy Adelaide forward.

Porplyzia is capable of turning a game on its head with a quick two or three goal burst so Murphy will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and not give Porplyzia any time or space in which to work in.

VERDICT: Adelaide kicked over 100 points for just the second time this season against Carlton last weekend but they can’t rely on the likes of Chris Knights to kick five goals each week and with promising young forward Taylor Walker out of form it is hard to see how the Crows will kick a big enough score to overcome a Hawthorn side that has a talent-laden forward line. Expect it to be a tight struggle for the first half before the class of Franklin and Cyril Rioli comes to the fore. Hawks by 32 points.

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

In: Bock
Out: Brent Reilly

HAWTHORN
B: Campbell Brown, Tom Murphy, Brent Guerra
HB: Brendan Whitecross, Grant Birchall, Xavier Ellis
C: Liam Shiels, Sam Mitchell, Beau Muston
HF: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Chance Bateman
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Robert Campbell, Stuart Dew, Ben McGlynn, Jarryd Morton
Emg: Beau Dowler, Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck

In: Dew, Ellis, Shiels
Out: Garry Moss (knee), Cameron Stokes (hamstring), Beau Dowler

New: Liam Shiels (Eastern Ranges)
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Tigers win thriller

May 30th 2009 13:30
RICHMOND has recorded a thrilling three-point win over Fremantle in a high-quality contest at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The Tigers led by 33 points late in the third term but the Dockers lifted and regained the lead at the 23-minute mark of the final term before Mitch Morton played on and kicked truly to seal a memorable 17.13 (115) to 17.10 (112) win in what was embattled coach Terry Wallace’s 500th game as player and coach.

The loss was made worse for the Dockers with Des Headland and young gun Stephen Hill suffering injuries.

Shane Tuck, Nathan Foley, Brett Deledio and Richard Tambling were prolific while former West Coast star Ben Cousins helped himself to 25 possessions and one goal in his first game at Subiaco Oval since being sacked by the Eagles.

Dean Polo was instrumental in Richmond’s third-quarter onslaught while Daniel Jackson continued his good form with 27 disposals.

For the Dockers, Paul Hasleby and Paul Duffield collected 27 touches apiece while Chris Tarrant was a busy contributor with 20 disposals, eight marks and two goals.

Matthew Pavlich, Aaron Sandilands and Headland caused all sorts of headaches for the Tigers early, booting two goals each to help the Dockers to an 11-point lead at quarter-time after a free-flowing first term.

After 10 goals were kicked in the first quarter, the second term was a much more dour affair with the first major not coming until the 16-minute mark when Jack Riewoldt kicked truly.

The Tigers dominated general play but failed to capitalise, kicking a wasteful 1.6 for the quarter.

They were made to pay with late goals from Michael Johnson and Scott Thornton giving Fremantle a 13-point buffer at half-time.

Richmond stamped their authority on the contest in the third quarter, winning more of the football and running hard as they piled on eight unanswered goals to skip out to a commanding 33-point lead at the 22-minute mark.

The Tigers looked set to run away with the contest but the Dockers lifted their rating and hit back with three goals in as many minutes to trail by just 15 points at the final change.

Richard Tambling got his side off to a perfect start with a goal in the opening minute of the final stanza but the Dockers responded with majors from Tarrant, Duffield and Hasleby to close to within a point.

Goals from Deledio and Troy Simmonds gave the Tigers some breathing space but Fremantle refused to give in and hit the front when Johnson toe-poked one through.

Morton cost his side victory after playing on rashly against Port Adelaide a fortnight ago but this time there was a happy ending as the Tigers held on for just their second win of the season.

FREMANTLE: 6.2, 8.5, 11.6, 17.10 (112)
RICHMOND: 4.3, 5.9, 13.9, 17.13 (115)

GOALS: Fremantle: Headland 2, Sandilands 2, Pavlich 2, Tarrant 2, Thornton 2, Johnson 2, Suban, Mundy, Duffield, Hasleby
Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Brown 2, Deledio 2, Morton 2, Newman, Cousins, Foley, Nahas, Tuck, Cotchin, McGuane, Simmonds
BEST: Fremantle: Hasleby, Tarrant, Duffield, Schammer, Mundy,
Richmond: Foley, Tuck, Tambling, Cousins, Polo, Deledio, Jackson
INJURIES: Fremantle: Hill (corked thigh), Headland (hamstring)
Richmond: White (hamstring)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Stevic, Dalgleish, Wenn
CROWD: 35,391 at Subiaco

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


Solid Saints down Dees

May 30th 2009 12:44
ST KILDA has maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a 37-point win over Melbourne at Gold Coast Stadium on Saturday night.

The Saints took control of the contest in the third term before cruising to a 11.17 (83) to 6.10 (46) win.

The bottom-placed Demons matched the ladder leaders in the opening half but they failed to fire a shot after half-time.

St Kilda has now won the first ten matches of the season for the first time since 2004.

Melbourne has lost their past six games but the future appears to be bright with several youngsters showing promising signs.

Saints skipper Nick Riewoldt continued his brilliant form with 20 possessions, 10 marks and four goals while Lenny Hayes was influential in close with a game-high 35 disposals.

Hayes was well supported by Leigh Montagna, Brendon Goddard and Nick Dal Santo who racked up 30-plus touches while Clinton Jones kept Melbourne star Aaron Davey to just possessions.

For the Demons, Cameron Bruce racked up a team-high 25 disposals and booted one goal while Mark Jamar was busy in the ruck with 29 hit outs.

Brock McLean and Brad Green tried hard all night and also won plenty of the football.

Melbourne threw everything at St Kilda in the first half, applying relentless pressure all over the ground and answering every time the Saints threatened to run away with the match.

St Kilda led by just eight points at half-time before breaking the game open in the third term.

They continually won the football at the stoppages and kicked the only three goals for the quarter to open up a handy 29-point lead at three-quarter time.

The last term wasn’t a great advertisement for the game with the Saints booting the only goal for the quarter to cap off a solid performance.

The final margin should have been greater but St Kilda kicked a wasteful 1.6 for the term.

ST KILDA: 5.3, 7.8, 10.11, 11.17 (83)
MELBOURNE: 4.5, 6.6, 6.6, 6.10 (46)
GOALS: St Kilda: Riewoldt 4, Goddard 2, Ray, Koschitzke, Gwilt, Geary, McQualter
Melbourne: Sylvia, Bruce, Frawley, Maric, Bate, Green
BEST: St Kilda: Hayes, Riewoldt, Montagna, Goddard, Dal Santo, Ray, C.Jones
Melbourne: Jamar, Bruce, McLean, Green, Frawley, Rivers
INJURIES: St Kilda: Gilbert (ankle)
Melbourne: McDonald (knee)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Stephen Milne (leg) replaced in St Kilda’s selected side by Jason Gram
UMPIRES: James, Grun, Kamolins
CROWD: TBC at Carrara, Gold Coast
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Dogs outclass Swans

May 30th 2009 07:59
THE Western Bulldogs have celebrated Lindsay Gilbee’s 150th AFL game with a 40-point win over Sydney at Manuka Oval in Canberra on Saturday afternoon.

The Swans kicked the first two goals of the match before the Bulldogs clicked into top gear, slamming on the next 13 majors in a stunning 39-minute burst to set up a comfortable 18.9 (117) to 12.5 (77) victory.

The Dogs simply had too much pace and class for Sydney who put in a dreadful first half performance just six days after disposing of Port Adelaide by 55 points.

The Swans had five of the top six possession-getters but they let themselves down with their poor use of the football.

Daniel Giansiracusa starred with a team-high 26 possessions and three goals while Adam Cooney was just as damaging with 24 disposals and two goals.

Scott Welsh booted four goals while Callan Ward and Mitch Hahn chimed in with three apiece.

Adam Goodes was Sydney‘s best with a game-high 31 touches and two goals while Ryan O‘Keefe was a busy contributor with 30 disposals..

Jared Crouch kept Bulldogs star Jason Akermanis to just eight possessions while Barry Hall booted six goals - his third major bringing up his 600th career goal.

The Swans dominated general play early in the opening stanza and had the first two goals on the board through Hall.

The Dogs hit back with two goals from Giansircausa and started to win more of the football at the stoppages.

They moved the football quickly and cleanly through the middle of the ground as they added a further three majors to open up an 18-point lead at quarter-time.

Two early goals from Ward set the scene for a dominant second term from the Bulldogs who applied relentless pressure and punished the Swans on the scoreboard.

The Bulldogs slammed on eight unanswered goals for the quarter with Hahn particularly damaging with three majors, including a brilliant goal tight on the boundary from 45 metres out.

The Dogs’ 69-point lead at half-time was the biggest by any side at the main break so far this season.

Sydney lifted their rating after half-time and went on to win the second half but the damage had already been done.

The Bulldogs will now face Richmond at Etihad Stadium on Friday night while the Swans will clash with reigning premiers Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

WESTERN BULLDOGS: 5.2, 13.6, 16.7, 18.9 (117)
SYDNEY: 2.2, 2.3, 7.4, 12.5 (77)
GOALS: Western Bulldogs: Welsh 4, Ward 3, Hahn 3, Giansiracusa 3, Cooney 2, Boyd, Higgins, Harbrow
Sydney: Hall 6, Goodes 2, Ablett, Malceski, Jack, J.Bolton
BEST: Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa, Ward, Hahn, Cooney, Cross, Eagleton, Morris.
Sydney: Goodes, O'Keefe, Crouch, Hall, C.Bolton, J.Bolton.
INJURIES: Western Bulldogs: TBC
Sydney: Ablett (shoulder), C.Bolton (cut head)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Tom Williams replaced in the Western Bulldogs selected side by Jarrad Harbrow
UMPIRES: McBurney, Pannell, McInerney
CROWD: TBC at Manuka Oval, Canberra

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


Lions move into top four

May 30th 2009 07:32
BRISBANE has moved into the top four with an 18-point win over North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions led at every change and eventually prevailed 15.9 (99) to 12.9 (81) in a hard-fought contest.

The most pleasing aspect of the win for Brisbane was the fact that star forwards Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw managed just three goals between them.

The result sees the Lions improve to a 6-4 win-loss record while the Roos are slowly slipping out of finals contention having won just four of their first ten matches.

Jed Adcock was damaging off half-back with a team-high 30 possessions, 11 marks and one goal while Daniel Rich did his chances of winning the NAB Rising Star award no harm with 25 quality disposals and one major.

Mitch Clark battled hard in the ruck and finished with 29 hit outs and 21 touches while Rhan Hooper kicked four goals.

For North, ruckman Hamish McIntosh continued his impressive start to the season with 32 hit outs and 23 possessions while former skipper Adam Simpson racked up a game-high 37 touches.

Josh Gibson kept Brown to just two goals while promising youngster Ben Warren kicked four majors.

Both teams had six scoring shots in an even opening term but it was the Lions who went into quarter-time with their noses in front thanks to a late goal from Cheynee Stiller which gave his side a five-point lead at the first change.

Early goals from Lindsay Thomas and Warren saw the Kangaroos open up a seven-point advantage in the second term.

The Lions responded and went into half-time with a handy 13-point buffer after Brown and Bradshaw got their names on the scoresheet late in the first half.

David Hale kicked the crucial first goal of the third term but with Simon Black exerting his influence in the middle after a quiet first half the Lions were able to break the game open and skipped out to a 25-point lead on the back of majors from Hooper and James Polkinghorne.

Drew Petrie gave his side a glimmer of hope heading into the final change, kicking truly after the siren to reduce the deficit to just 19 points.

It was all the Lions early in the final stanza with Hooper kicking his fourth in the opening minute before Black slotted one home from outside 50 three minutes later to give his side a match-winning 31-point buffer.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 3.3, 6.5, 9.7, 12.9 (81)
BRISBANE LIONS: 4.2, 8.6, 12.8, 15.9 (99)
GOALS: North Melbourne: Warren 4, Hale 2, Petrie 2, Thomas, Harris, McMahon, Wells
Brisbane Lions: Hooper 4, Sherman 2, Brown 2, Polkinghorne 2, Bradshaw, Stiller, Adcock, Black, Rich
BEST: North Melbourne: Simpson, McIntosh, Warren, Gibson, Harding
Brisbane Lions: Adcock, Rich, Rischitelli, Clark, Drummond, Black
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Nil
Brisbane Lions: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Daniel Harris replaced Nathan Grima in the North Melbourne selected side
UMPIRES: Kennedy, M Nicholls, Hay
CROWD: 21,583 at Etihad Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Finals not a priority, says Worsfold

May 30th 2009 00:45
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold says finals aren't really a priority for the club at the moment.

The Eagles' 41-point loss to Carlton at Etihad Stadium on Friday night was their third loss in a row and with just three wins to their name they face an uphill battle to make the finals.

However finals aren't a focus for West Coast at this stage with Worsfold saying he is keen to continue developing his side's younger players.

“On current form, finals aren’t really a priority for us,” Worsfold said.

“Consistency of effort and improving our skills and decision making are what we’ll be really working hard on throughout this season and also [putting] more games into players.”

Worsfold said he was pleased with how his side fought out the match after a disastrous second quarter in which the Blues kicked 4. to 0.2.

“[That aspect was] definitely encouraging,” he said.

“We’re still nowhere near where we want to be at, but we can’t get Swift up to 45 games in the next week … some parts of what we want to improve on will take time.

“Other parts, like the attitude [were good]. I thought the boys fought on very strongly.”

The Eagles coach admitted his team needed to improve its skill level before it can challenge for a premiership once again.

"We are still well short of what we have to get to in terms of skill errors," he said.

"That is what really hurting us our skill level while under pressure and in particular when under no pressure."

Worsfold was impressed with the debut game of youngster Tom Swift and also praised Mark LeCras who booted six goals.

In some good news for the Eagles, Worsfold said he expects to regain midfielder Matt Priddis for the round 11 clash against Geelong at Subiaco Oval while highly rated young ruckman Nicholas Naitanui will come under consideration for his first game if he can again perform well in the WAFL for Swan Districts.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Round ten preview: St Kilda v Melbourne

May 29th 2009 15:49
VENUE and TIME: Carrara Oval, Saturday 30 May, 7.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Melbourne 118, St Kilda 79, Drawn 1

LAST TIME: St Kilda 19.15 (129) def Melbourne 7.8 (50), Round 10 2008 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: St Kilda has won four of its past six against Melbourne.

MEDICAL ROOM: St Kilda is virtually at full-strength with Xavier Clarke the only notable absentee with a season-ending knee injury. For the Demons, lively small forward Austin Wonaeamirri (knee) is still four to six weeks away from resuming while promising young defender Colin Garland is sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury. John Meesen (foot) and youngster Sam Blease (fractured leg) are out for the remainder of the season.

FORM: St Kilda has been tested in the past fortnight by Essendon and Brisbane but remains on top of the AFL ladder with nine wins from as many starts. Melbourne has been very competitive in recent times but they have just one win to their name.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brent Moloney vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo was instrumental in his side’s 79-point demolition of Melbourne in round 10 last year, helping himself to 28 possessions, one goal and nine inside 50’s in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

The 25-year-old is damaging with his ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean delivery of the football in the forward line.

If the Demons are going to have any hope of containing St Kilda’s multi-pronged attack they will need to keep Dal Santo quiet.

With Melbourne’s number one midfield stopper in Clint Bartram still out of the side you would expect Moloney to go head-to-head with Dal Santo.

Moloney, who was beaten by Hawthorn midfielder Jordan Lewis last weekend, will need to be switched on defensively and not give Dal Santo any time or space otherwise he will tear the Demons to shreds with his clean foot skills.

Melbourne will also need the former Geelong midfielder, who has averaged 25 disposals per game so far this season, to win his fair share of the football in order to make the classy Saints midfielder accountable.

Clinton Jones vs. Aaron Davey

Davey failed to have his usual impact in the loss to the Hawks, racking up just 17 possessions - well down on his season average of 24 disposals.

The 25-year-old will be keen to bounce back with a big performance and will need to be watched closely.

Like Dal Santo, Davey continually creates scoring opportunities for his forwards with his clean use of the football.

The Saints will be keen to limit his influence on the contest as the Demons will struggle to receive enough quality supply to be competitive without him having an impact.

Jones claimed another major scalp last weekend, restricting Brisbane star Travis Johnstone to just 11 possessions.

Expect Jones to be given the task of tagging the classy Davey in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.

Jones, who is ranked first at the Saints for tackles per game this season, will apply relentless pressure all night and not give Davey any time or space in which to dispose of the football cleanly.

Stefan Martin vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt was instrumental in his side’s convincing win over the Demons in round 10 last year with 21 possessions, 13 marks and three goals in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

The St Kilda skipper is currently in All-Australian form and will need to be contained if Melbourne is going to have any chance of causing a massive upset.

Martin has the height and mobility to match the hard-leading Riewoldt and will be given first crack at the Saints star.

The Demons are ranked 15th in the AFL for tackles per game with an average of 51.

They will need to improve their pressure skills and prevent the likes of Brendon Goddard, Leigh Montagna and Dal Santo from delivering the football cleanly inside 50 otherwise Riewoldt will dominate as he is virtually unstoppable on the lead.

Sam Gilbert vs. Colin Sylvia

Sylvia played arguably his best game for the club last weekend, racking up a game-high 37 possessions and booting four goals.

The challenge now for Sylvia will be to back it up with another good performance - something which he has struggled to do so far in his 78-game career.

The Demons will be keen to quell his influence on the contest as he is capable of booting goals quickly - highlighted by his three majors in six minutes against the Hawks.

Gilbert has taken has game to another level this season and will most likely be given the job on the enigmatic 23-year-old.

Expect Gilbert, who has averaged just under 22 disposals per game so far this season, to run off Sylvia at every available opportunity and try and hurt him on the rebound.

If Sylvia is going to have any chance of having an impact he will need his teammates to be quick and clean with their use of the football otherwise the Saints will be able to push numbers back and punish the Demons on the rebound.

VERDICT: St Kilda has shown signs of vulnerability in the past fortnight but even if they are slightly off their game on Saturday night it is highly unlikely that they will be beaten as Melbourne lacks the class and the ability to play at the same level for four quarters to make the Saints pay. The Demons will be competitive once again but the Saints simply have too many winners on each line for Dean Bailey’s men to contain. Saints by 38 points.

ST KILDA v MELBOURNE
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Jason Blake, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Raphael Clarke, 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: Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt, Steven King, Andrew McQualter
Emg: Jason Gram, David Armitage, Luke Miles

No change

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jack Grimes, Cale Morton, Brock McLean
HF: Colin Sylvia, Brad Miller, Daniel Bell
F: Brad Green, Matthew Bate, Cameron Bruce
Foll: Mark Jamar, Brent Moloney, James McDonald
I/C: Paul Johnson, Addam Maric, Nathan Jones, Jamie Bennell
Emg: Kyle Cheney, Lynden Dunn, Ricky Petterd

In: Jamar, Bell
Out: Ricky Petterd, Russell Robertson
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Round ten preview: Fremantle v Richmond

May 29th 2009 15:09
VENUE and TIME: Subiaco, Saturday 30 May, 7:40 pm (AEST).

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 21, Fremantle 9, Richmond 12

LAST TIME: Richmond 15.15 (105) def Fremantle 15.8 (98), Round 21, 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: Fremantle has won three of its past five against Richmond but the Tigers have won the past two.

MEDICAL ROOM: Fremantle small forward Hayden Ballanytne has recovered from wrist surgery and will play his first game for the club but small defender Roger Hayden will miss up to two months with a broken leg. Chris Mayne (ankle) is expected to resume after the mid-season break while midfielders Ryan Crowley (foot) and Rhys Palmer (knee) are out for the season.. For the Tigers, veteran Ben Cousins returns after suffering a broken hand against Port in round eight but Andrew Raines will miss after suffering a knee injury in the loss to Essendon. Matthew Richardson is sidelined indefinitely with a hamstring injury while former skipper Kane Johnson will miss at least another week with a knee complaint.

FORM: Richmond started brightly against Essendon last Saturday night but fell away badly in the second half as the Bombers cruised to a 40-point victory. The Tigers have won just one of their first nine matches. Fremantle led North Melbourne by 27 points early in the second term last weekend before allowing the Kangaroos to work their way back into the contest, eventually going down by 13 points. The Dockers have lost their past two matches to slump to 14th place on the ladder with a 3-6 win-loss record.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Daniel Jackson vs. Paul Hasleby

Hasleby continued his impressive start to the season with a game-high 26 possessions and two goals against the Kangaroos.

The 27-year-old has been his side’s most consistent midfielder this year and is damaging with his ability to win the football in close and dish it off by hand to find his teammates in space.

The Tigers will need to quell his influence in the middle as it will help shut-down Fremantle’s running game.

Jackson has been Richmond’s number one stopper in the midfield this season and looms as the obvious candidate to tag Hasleby.

Richmond will need Jackson to not give Hasleby any time or space at the stoppages otherwise he will get his side going with his clean use of the football.

Garrick Ibbotson vs. Brett Deledio

The last time these two sides met in round 21 last year Deledio was among his side’s best with 23 disposals, nine marks, two goals and four inside 50’s.

Shutting down the drive he provides will be a key for the Dockers if they are going to snap a two-game losing streak.

Ibbotson and Matt De Boer have been given tagging roles since Crowley suffered his season-ending injury in the win over West Coast in round six.

Expect Ibbotson to be given the job of running with Deledio on Saturday night as he has the ability to hurt the Richmond young gun going the other way.

Shane Tuck vs. Mathew Pavlich

Pavlich continued his recent run of good form with 18 touches and three goals in the loss to the Roos.

The Fremantle skipper played a key role in the Dockers’ last win over Richmond in round 11. 2007, helping himself to 22 possessions, 15 marks and three goals in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

If the Tigers are going to record just their second win of the season they will need to contain Pavlich who has hit his straps after an indifferent start to the season.

Pavlich has spent more time in the midfield in recent times and will most likely be matched up by Tuck given that Jackson will be tagging Hasleby.

While it is vital that Tuck pay close attention to Pavlich, the Tigers also need the 27-year-old to be proactive and do what he does best - win plenty of the football at the stoppages in order to make the Fremantle star accountable.

Antoni Grover vs. Nathan Brown

Brown was simply unstoppable early against the Bombers but like a lot of his teammates he faded in the second half, finishing the match with 18 disposals, 12 marks and two goals.

If the Tigers are going to have any chance of ending a four-game losing skid they will need Brown and several others to put in a four-quarter performance.

Expect Grover to be given the job of matching up on Brown as he has the ability to match him in the air and also when the football hits the deck.

In last weekend’s loss to the Bombers the Tigers had 42 more possessions but entered inside their forward 50 three fewer times.

If Brown is going to have any chance of having a major say in the outcome of this contest he will need his midfield to be quick and direct with their use of the football as they simply don’t have the class to play a possession brand of football all night.

VERDICT: Fremantle desperately needs a win to keep their finals hopes alive while Richmond will be undoubtedly be keen to secure the four premiership points for their embattled coach Terry Wallace in what will be his 500th game as player and coach. The Tigers will head into this clash with some confidence given that they have won their past three matches at Subiaco Oval but their inability to play four quarters of consistent football and lack of firepower up forward will prove to be costly. Dockers by 32 points.

FREMANTLE v RICHMOND
FREMANTLE
B: Greg Broughton, Chris Tarrant, Antoni Grover
HB: Nic Suban, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Stephen Hill, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Michael Johnson, Andrew Foster
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, David Mundy
I/C: Josh Head, Matt de Boer, Des Headland, Scott Thornton
Emg: Hayden Ballantyne, Ryan Murphy, Clayton Hinkley

In: Foster, Broughton, Head
Out: Roger Hayden (leg), Ryan Murphy, Clayton Hinkley

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Dean Polo
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Will Thursfield
C: Andrew Collins, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Nathan Brown
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Robin Nahas
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Ben Cousins, Matthew White, Kayne Pettifer
Emg: Jordan McMahon, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Adam Thomson

In: Cousins, Thursfield, Riewoldt
Out: Andew Raines (knee), Daniel Connors, Mark Coughlan

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Round ten preview: Sydney v Western Bulldogs

May 29th 2009 14:14
VENUE and TIME: Manuka Oval, Saturday 30 May, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Western Bulldogs 74, Sydney 69, Drawn 1

LAST TIME: Western Bulldogs 16.10 (106) def Sydney 9.15 (69), 2nd Semi-Final 2008 at MCG

RECENT HISTORY: The Western Bulldogs have won their past three against Sydney with one of those wins coming at Manuka Oval.

MEDICAL ROOM: Bulldogs playmaker Lindsay Gilbee and classy youngster Shaun Higgins will play against the Swans despite battling with ankle and groin injuries respectively while defender Ryan Hargrave returns from a quad injury. Forward Robert Murphy (hamstring) is at least two weeks away from being considered for selection. For the Swans, defender Lewis-Roberts Thomson returns from a hamstring strain sustained in the win over West Coast in round eight but veteran Leo Barry (knee), former Cat Henry Playfair (hamstring) and Patrick Veszpremi (ruptured finger tendon) remain unavailable.

FORM: The Western Bulldogs put in arguably their best performance of the season last weekend but unfortunately for them they went down to Geelong by three points in a contest worth of a final. The Dogs are in the top four with a 5-4 win-loss record. Sydney maintained its unbeaten run at home with a 55-point demolition of Port Adelaide at the SCG last Sunday. The Swans have also won five of their first nine matches.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brett Kirk vs. Adam Cooney

Cooney is arguably the Bulldogs’ most damaging midfielder with his ability to break the lines, kick goals and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

The Swans usually like to play a lockdown style of football and will be keen to shut-down Cooney’s run and carry as it will help contain the Bulldogs’ mid-sized forwards.

Kirk has quelled the influence of the likes of Simon Black and Sam Mitchell so far this season and looms as the obvious candidate to go head-to-head with Cooney in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.

The Swans co-captain, who is ranked first in the AFL for tackles per game with an average of 8.4 per game, will apply relentless pressure all day.

Expect Kirk, who collected 32 disposals and booted two goals in the win over the Power to also test out the defensive side of the 2008 Brownlow medallist's game.

Liam Picken vs. Adam Goodes

The last time the Swans defeated the Bulldogs was in round nine, 2007.

Goodes was instrumental in that win with 26 possessions, 10 marks and four inside 50’s.

The Bulldogs will be keen to limit his influence on the contest as he is the man in the Sydney midfield with the X-factor to break the game wide open.

Picken has been given some big tagging jobs on some of the competition’s premier midfielders so far this season and could well be given the unenviable task of running with the dual Brownlow medallist.

The Bulldogs will need Picken to employ a tight tag otherwise Goodes will hurt the Dogs with his ability to break the lines and kick goals.

Craig Bolton vs. Brad Johnson

Johnson led from the front in the loss to the Cats, helping himself to 26 disposals, 10 marks and four goals.

The last time these two sides during the home-and-away season Johnson collected 19 touches, took 10 marks and kicked four goals to help lift his side to a 16-point win.

The Bulldogs skipper looks set to be in for a tough afternoon at the office with the in-form Bolton expected to be his opponent.

If Johnson is going to win his battle with the largely underrated Bolton he will need his midfield to be quick and clean with their use of the football through the middle of the ground otherwise the Swans will be able to push numbers back and continually rebound the football out of defensive 50.

Brian Lake vs. Barry Hall

Hall has returned to form after a disappointing game against Geelong in round seven, booting seven goals in his past two matches.

While he may have only booted two goals in the win over Port he provided a consistent target up forward, racking up 17 possessions and seven marks.

When Hall is up and about the Swans are very hard to beat so keeping him quiet will be a key for the Bulldogs if they are going to secure a valuable win away from home.

The Swans can’t afford to just haphazardly bomb the football inside 50 otherwise Hall’s direct opponent in Lake, who is ranked eighth in the AFL for marks per game with an average of eight, will be able to continually mark the football and help set up his side’s attacking forays forward.

VERDICT: This match features two teams with very different styles. The Bulldogs boast plenty of class and pace while the Swans like to play a contested brand of football. If the likes of Daniel Cross, Matthew Boyd and Cooney are able to win their fair share of the football at the stoppages the Dogs should win with their speed and skills set to be the difference in what shapes as being a high-quality contest. Bulldogs by 20 points.

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

In: Hargrave, Tiller
Out: Tim Callan, Jarrod Harbrow

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

In: Roberts-Thomson
Out: Craig Bird

14
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Round ten preview: North Melbourne v Brisbane

May 29th 2009 13:53
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 30 May, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: North Melbourne 21, Brisbane Lions 15, Draws 1

LAST TIME: North Melbourne 13.14 (92) def Brisbane Lions 11.18 (84), Round 18 2008 at Carrara

RECENT HISTORY: Brisbane has won six of its past nine against North Melbourne with two of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: North Melbourne overcame a sluggish start to down Fremantle by 13 points in a hard-fought contest at Etihad Stadium last Saturday. The Kangaroos have won four of their first nine matches. Brisbane challenged an undefeated St Kilda side all day last weekend, eventually going down by 16 points. The Lions currently occupy seventh place on the AFL ladder with a 5-4 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: North will be without midfielder Sam Power who suffered a hamstring injury in the win over the Dockers while small forward Matt Campbell and promising young defender Lachlan Hansen also remain on the sidelines with hamstring injuries. Daniel Pratt will miss again after undergoing minor knee surgery while skipper Brent Harvey is sidelined for another seven to nine weeks with a dislocated elbow. The injury-prone Jesse Smith is out indefinitely with a hamstring injury. For the Lions, Albert Proud returns after being a late withdrawal from the match against the Saints with a hip flexor injury. Troy Selwood will miss again after suffering concussion a fortnight ago while Daniel Merrett (ankle - three weeks), Jamie Charman (ankle - four weeks), Joel Patfull (broken jaw - four weeks), Bradd Dalziell (knee - five weeks) and Matthew Leuenberger (knee - nine weeks) are all unavailable.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brady Rawlings vs. Simon Black

Black was among his side’s best in the loss to the Saints with 27 quality disposals

The 2002 Brownlow medallist was instrumental in the Lions’ last win over North Melbourne in round 10 last year with a game-high 30 possessions in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

The Brisbane star is damaging with his ability to win the football in close and also deliver it cleanly inside 50 - he leads the club for clearances and is fifth for inside 50’s.

If the Kangaroos are going to have any hope of containing the Lions’ star forwards in Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw they will need to quell the influence of Black in the middle.

Rawlings has claimed some major scalps during his 188-game career and will be given the job of tagging Black on Saturday in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.

North will need Rawlings to not give Black any time or space otherwise he will continually deliver the football lace out to his key forwards.

Cheynee Stiller vs. Daniel Wells

The last time these two sides met in round 18 last year Wells collected a game-high 31 possessions to help lift his side to a thrilling eight-point win.

The 24-year-old provides the Kangaroos with plenty of drive - he is second for bounces and inside 50’s.

The Lions will be keen to shut-down his run and carry through the middle of the ground as the North’s forwards will struggle to receive enough quality supply to kick a winning score without him having an impact.

Stiller did a superb blanketing job on in-form St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo last weekend and looms as the obvious candidate to run with Wells.

The Brisbane midfielder will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters as Wells has the ability to break a game wide open in the space of a few minutes - highlighted by the two goals he set up in the second quarter against the Dockers before he kicked a classy running goal of his own.

Josh Gibson vs. Jonathan Brown

Brown looms as the main danger man for the Kangaroos given that he has booted 17 goals in his past three matches against the Roos.

With Hansen still on the sidelines and Michael Firrito spending more time in the midfield you would expect Gibson to be given first crack at the Brisbane skipper.

Gibson will need support from his midfield if he is going to have any hope of containing Brown who kicked 11 goals in the two matches between these two sides last year.

The Kangaroos will need to apply relentless pressure all over the ground otherwise the likes of Daniel Rich, Luke Power and Black will be able to deliver the football cleanly inside 50 to their skipper.

Joel MacDonald vs. David Hale

Hale returned to form against the Dockers last weekend, booting five goals including the match-winner.

The Kangaroos will need a similar performance from Hale on Saturday if they are going to kick a big enough score to secure their fifth win of the season.

Given that Patfull and Merrett are both on the sidelines with injury, McDonald will most likely be given the job of matching up on Hale.

If the Roos are able to get the football quickly inside 50 the 200cm Hale will cause plenty of headaches for an undersized Brisbane defence.

However, if they overuse the football and continually go wide as has been the case for most of the season they will be punished on the rebound by the likes of MacDonald and Josh Drummond.

VERDICT: While Brisbane has been one of the form sides in the competition in the past month North Melbourne has been the epitome of inconsistency - they are yet to string together back-to-back wins in 2009. The Kangaroos will battle hard all afternoon but with Daniel Bradshaw and Brown in pretty good form the Lions should get up in a tight contest. Lions by 25 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Nathan Grima, Scott Thompson, Gavin Urquhart
HB: Brady Rawlings, Michael Firrito, Leigh Harding
C: Ben Ross, Jack Ziebell, Sam Wright
HF: Daniel Wells, Drew Petrie, Ben Warren
F: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Scott McMahon
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Levi Greenwood, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Adam Simpson, Todd Goldstein, Aaron Edwards, Josh Gibson
Emg: Corey Jones, Daniel Harris, Josh Smith

In: Greenwood
Out: Sam Power (hamstring)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Joel Macdonald, James Polkinghorne
HB: Sam Sheldon, Jared Brennan, Josh Drummond
C: Scott Harding, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Rhan Hooper, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tim Notting, Albert Proud, Lachlan Henderson, Matt Austin
Emg: Tom Collier, Aaron Cornelius, Travis Johnstone

In: Proud, Hooper, Henderson
Out: Aaron Cornelius, Travis Johnstone, Tom Collier
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Blues too good for Eagles

May 29th 2009 13:02
CARLTON has returned to form with a 41-point win over West Coast at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Blues broke the game open in the second term before cruising to a 16.15 (111) to 10.10 (70) victory.

It was a must-win game for Carlton who had entered the match having recorded just one victory in the past month.

The Eagles battled hard but simply didn’t have the class to match their opponents and have now lost their past three.

With just three wins from their first ten matches finals appear to be out of reach for John Worsfold's men in 2009.

Marc Murphy starred in the middle with a game-high 32 possessions while skipper Chris Judd generated plenty of run with 29 disposals and nine inside 50’s.

They were well supported by Kade Simpson and Nick Stevens who also won plenty of the football.

Brendan Fevola bounced back to form with six goals while Brad Fisher chimed in with three majors in his first game of the season.

For the Eagles, Mark LeCras played a lone hand up forward, booting six of his side’s 10 goals while Adam Selwood racked up a team-high 29 possessions.

West Coast’s stars in Daniel Kerr and Dean Cox tried hard but didn’t have their usual influence with Aaron Joseph and Matthew Kreuzer more than holding their own against their more experienced opponents.

The Blues jumped out of the blocks in the opening stanza, booting the first three goals of the match in a seven-minute burst.

Carlton looked set to blow West Coast away but the Eagles steadied and trailed by just 11 points at quarter-time after 150-gamer Adam Hunter kicked truly after the siren.

The Eagles continually butchered the football going forward in the second term and were punished on the rebound with the Blues slamming on four unanswered goals to open up a commanding 41-point lead at half--time.

They should have been even further in front at the main break but they kicked eight behinds for the term with Fevola the chief offender.

LeCras was unstoppable in the third quarter, booting all four of his side’s goals including a classy effort over his shoulder from the boundary line that will undoubtedly come under consideration for goal-of-the-year honours.

Trailing by 29 points at three-quarter time, the Eagles were in with a sniff but any hopes of a come-from-behind win was quashed by Fevola who kicked three goals for the term to help his side secure a much-needed win.

CARLTON: 5.2, 9.10, 11.12, 16.15 (111)
WEST COAST EAGLES: 3.3, 3.5, 7.7, 10.10 (70)
GOALS: Carlton: Fevola 6, Fisher 3, Garlett 2, Houlihan 2, Judd, Betts, Browne
West Coast: LeCras 6, Kennedy 2, Hunter, Wirrpanda
BEST: Carlton: Fevola, Murphy, Simpson, Judd, Stevens, Kreuzer
West Coast: LeCras, A.Selwood, Cox, Kerr, Ebert, Lynch
INJURIES: Carlton: TBC
West Coast: TBC
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Rosebury, Avon
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
CROWD: 39,611 at Etihad Stadium

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AFL Teams: Round Ten

May 29th 2009 07:55
2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

ROUND TEN (All times local)

Friday May 29
Carlton v West Coast at Etihad Stadium, 7.40pm

Saturday May 30
Western Bulldogs v Sydney Swans at Manuka Oval, 2.10pm
North Melbourne v Brisbane Lions at Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm
St Kilda v Melbourne at Carrara, 7.10pm
Fremantle v Richmond at Subiaco Oval, 5.40pm

Sunday May 31
Adelaide v Hawthorn at AAMI Stadium, 12.40pm
Essendon v Geelong at Etihad Stadium, 2.10pm
Collingwood v Port Adelaide at the MCG, 4.40pm

CARLTON v WEST COAST
CARLTON
B: Michael Jamison, Mark Austin, Paul Bower
HB: Nick Stevens, Bret Thornton, Dennis Armfield
C: Kade Simpson, Aaron Joseph, Bryce Gibbs
HF: Ryan Houlihan, Brad Fisher, Mitch Robinson
F: Setanta O’hAilpin, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy
I/C: Steven Browne, Jeff Garlett, Shaun Hampson, Jordan Russell
Emg: Joe Anderson, Richard Hadley, Chris Yarran

In: Fisher, Garlett, Houlihan, O'hAilpin
Out: Richard Hadley, Jarrad Waite (knee), Simon Wiggins (hamstring), Chris Yarran

WEST COAST
B: Mitch Brown, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Mark Nicoski, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Matt Rosa
HF: Tom Swift, Josh Kennedy, Scott Selwood
F: Adam Hunter, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Chris Masten, Adam Selwood
I/C: Brad Ebert, Jamie McNamara, Ben McKinley, Tyson Stenglein
Emg: Sam Butler, Mark Seaby, Matt Spangher

In: Hunter, LeCras, McNamara, Stenglein, Swift
Out: Matt Priddis (groin), Sam Butler, Adam Cockie, Brett Jones, Mark Seaby

New: Tom Swift (Claremont)

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

In: Hargrave, Tiller
Out: Tim Callan, Jarrod Harbrow

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

In: Roberts-Thomson
Out: Craig Bird

NORTH MELBOURNE v BRISBANE LIONS
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Nathan Grima, Scott Thompson, Gavin Urquhart
HB: Brady Rawlings, Michael Firrito, Leigh Harding
C: Ben Ross, Jack Ziebell, Sam Wright
HF: Daniel Wells, Drew Petrie, Ben Warren
F: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Scott McMahon
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Levi Greenwood, Andrew Swallow
I/C: Adam Simpson, Todd Goldstein, Aaron Edwards, Josh Gibson
Emg: Corey Jones, Daniel Harris, Josh Smith

In: Greenwood
Out: Sam Power (hamstring)

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Joel Macdonald, James Polkinghorne
HB: Sam Sheldon, Jared Brennan, Josh Drummond
C: Scott Harding, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Rhan Hooper, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tim Notting, Albert Proud, Lachlan Henderson, Matt Austin
Emg: Tom Collier, Aaron Cornelius, Travis Johnstone

In: Proud, Hooper, Henderson
Out: Aaron Cornelius, Travis Johnstone, Tom Collier

ST KILDA v MELBOURNE
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Jason Blake, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Raphael Clarke, 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: Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt, Steven King, Andrew McQualter
Emg: Jason Gram, David Armitage, Luke Miles

No change

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jack Grimes, Cale Morton, Brock McLean
HF: Colin Sylvia, Brad Miller, Daniel Bell
F: Brad Green, Matthew Bate, Cameron Bruce
Foll: Mark Jamar, Brent Moloney, James McDonald
I/C: Paul Johnson, Addam Maric, Nathan Jones, Jamie Bennell
Emg: Kyle Cheney, Lynden Dunn, Ricky Petterd

In: Jamar, Bell
Out: Ricky Petterd, Russell Robertson

FREMANTLE v RICHMOND
FREMANTLE
B: Greg Broughton, Chris Tarrant, Antoni Grover
HB: Nic Suban, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Stephen Hill, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Michael Johnson, Andrew Foster
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, David Mundy
I/C: Josh Head, Matt de Boer, Des Headland, Scott Thornton
Emg: Hayden Ballantyne, Ryan Murphy, Clayton Hinkley

In: Foster, Broughton, Head
Out: Roger Hayden (leg), Ryan Murphy, Clayton Hinkley

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Dean Polo
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Will Thursfield
C: Andrew Collins, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Jack Riewoldt, Nathan Brown
F: Adam Pattison, Mitch Morton, Robin Nahas
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Trent Cotchin, Ben Cousins, Matthew White, Kayne Pettifer
Emg: Jordan McMahon, Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Adam Thomson

In: Cousins, Thursfield, Riewoldt
Out: Andew Raines (knee), Daniel Connors, Mark Coughlan

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

In: Bock
Out: Brent Reilly

HAWTHORN
B: Campbell Brown, Tom Murphy, Brent Guerra
HB: Brendan Whitecross, Grant Birchall, Xavier Ellis
C: Liam Shiels, Sam Mitchell, Beau Muston
HF: Michael Osborne, Lance Franklin, Chance Bateman
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Mark Williams
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Jordan Lewis
I/C: Robert Campbell, Stuart Dew, Ben McGlynn, Jarryd Morton
Emg: Beau Dowler, Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck

In: Dew, Ellis, Shiels
Out: Garry Moss (knee), Cameron Stokes (hamstring), Beau Dowler

New: Liam Shiels (Eastern Ranges)

ESSENDON v GEELONG
ESSENDON
B: Henry Slattery, Tayte Pears, Bachar Houli
HB: Brent Stanton, Adam McPhee, Cale Hooker
C: Ricky Dyson, Heath Hocking, David Zaharakis
HF: Angus Monfries, Jay Neagle, Andrew Lovett
F: Alwyn Davey, Matthew Lloyd, Sam Lonergan
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Jobe Watson, Jason Winderlich
I/C: Tom Bellchambers, Hayden Skipworth, Leroy Jetta, Mark McVeigh
Emg: Scott Lucas, David Myers, Jay Nash

In: Skipworth, McVeigh
Out: Courtenay Dempsey (ankle), Nathan Lovett-Murray (susp)

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

In: Djerrkura, Mooney, Milburn
Out: Mathew Stokes (susp), Paul Chapman (finger), Ryan Gamble

New: Nathan Djerrkura (Wanderers/NT)

COLLINGWOOD v PORT ADELAIDE
COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Leigh Brown
HB: Nick Maxwell, Nathan Brown, Shannon Cox
C: Alan Toovey, Tarkyn Lockyer, Dale Thomas
HF: Scott Pendlebury, John Anthony, Leon Davis
F: Alan Didak, Cameron Wood, Heath Shaw
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: Martin Clarke, Brad Dick, Steele Sidebottom, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: Ryan Cook, Tyson Goldsack, Ben Reid

In: Thomas, Didak
Out: Tyson Goldsack, Ryan Cook

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

In: Krakouer, Rodan
Out: Josh Carr, Marlon Motlop
16
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Saints, Cats clash to be played at Etihad

May 29th 2009 02:00
THE blockbuster clash between St Kilda and Geelong in round 14 at Etihad Stadium won't be moved to the MCG.

With the currently unbeaten Saints and the Cats likely to be first and second on the AFL ladder when the match is held on Sunday July 5, the crowd was expected to be bigger than the 55,000 capacity at Etihad Stadium.

But AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou confirmed on 3AW on Friday that the league won't be requesting a change of venue for the game.

Demetriou said there were a number of issues which prevented the league from transferring the match to the home of football.

"There's some logistical issues which relate to corporate boxes being switched over that have been sold for that game. There's member reserve seats. There's signing that needs to be done at both stadiums. If they move that game, they would have to get new signage done, which is in the vicinity of $150,000," Demetriou said.

"I think in an ideal world, it would have been nice to move it. But we've got Etihad, who are threatening to sue us for compensation and all sorts of things going on."

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Round ten preview: Carlton v West Coast

May 28th 2009 15:07
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Friday 29 May, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 32, Carlton 16, West Coast 16

LAST TIME: Carlton 17.11 (113) def West Coast 10.14 (74), Round 7 2008 at Subiaco Oval

RECENT HISTORY: West Coast has won four of its past five against Carlton but all of those wins came at Subiaco Oval.

FORM: Carlton has won just one of its past four matches - a 51-point demolition of an undermanned Collingwood side in round eight. The Blues currently occupy ninth place on the AFL ladder with a 4-5 win-loss record. West Coast has lost its past two to Sydney and Collingwood to slump to 13th spot with just three wins from their first nine matches. The Eagles desperately need a win to keep their finals hopes alive.

MEDICAL ROOM: Carlton has lost utility Jarrad Waite for the remainder of the season after he suffered a serious knee injury in the loss to the Crows last weekend while Andrew Walker (shoulder) and ruckman Robbie Warnock (foot) are at least six weeks away from playing. Simon Wiggins (hamstring) is out for three weeks while Andrew Carrazzo (finger) is a fortnight away. Former Demon Chris Johnson (quad) and Cameron Cloke (ankle) will miss at least another week . For the Eagles, classy forward Mark LeCras returns after being a late withdrawal from last weekend’s clash against the Magpies while Adam Hunter has finished undergoing treatment on his shoulder and will play his 150th AFL match on Friday night. Matt Priddis will miss after suffering a groin injury against the Pies while highly-rated young midfielder Luke Shuey will play for East Perth reserves on the weekend after recovering from a groin injury. Brent Staker (hand) is three weeks away while rugged utility Beau Waters (elbow) is out for the season.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Adam Selwood vs. Chris Judd

Like a lot of his teammates, Judd failed to have his usual impact against the Crows, racking up just 19 possessions - well down on his season average of 27 disposals per game.

The Carlton skipper rarely has two bad games in a row and will need to be contained if the Eagles are going to snap a two-game losing streak.

Selwood, who is West Coast’s best stopper in the midfield, was given the job on Judd the last time these two sides met in round seven last year and will be given the task of tagging his former teammate once again.

The Eagles will need Selwood to deny Judd any time or space at the stoppages - where he is at his most damaging - and also win his fair share of the football otherwise the 2004 Brownlow medallist will dictate terms in the middle and lead his side to victory.

Aaron Joseph vs. Daniel Kerr

Kerr didn’t play in the round seven clash between these two sides last year and will be keen to perform well against his former teammate and close friend in Judd.

The Eagles star won plenty of the football against the Magpies but he failed to use it well - he had an appalling efficiency rating of just 42 per cent.

If West Coast is going to have any hope of kicking a winning score they will need the likes of Kerr to be cleaner with their disposal going forward.

Joseph has been given some big negating jobs so far this season and impressed in the loss to the Crows, keeping Adelaide star Andrew McLeod to just 18 touches.

Expect Joseph, who is ranked fourth amongst the rising stars for total tackles, to employ a tight tag and try and get under Kerr’s skin.

Kerr will need his teammates to block for him at the stoppages otherwise he will struggle to have an influence.

Darren Glass vs. Brendan Fevola

Fevola has struggled in recent times, booting just two goals in his past three matches.

However, he still looms as a danger man for the Eagles given that he has kicked 15 goals in his past four matches against John Worsfold’s men.

The 2006 Coleman medallist will be matched up by Glass in what will be a crucial contest in determining the outcome of this match.

Glass isn’t exactly in top form at the moment but he will still make Fevola earn every goal.

The Blues will need to deliver the football inside 50 a lot better than they did against Adelaide if Fevola is going to have any hope of winning his duel with the West Coast captain.

Don’t be surprised if the Eagles opt to use classy veteran David Wirrapanda as a loose man in defence to clog up the space in which Fevola leads into.

Matthew Kreuzer vs. Dean Cox

Cox played arguably one of his worst games in recent memory for West Coast last weekend.

The Eagles big man did finish the match with 30 hit outs but he only collected 12 possessions which is well down on the 22 disposals per game he has averaged so far in 2009.

Like a lot of the elite players in the competition, Cox rarely strings together two poor performances and will need to be nullified if the Blues are going to secure a much-needed win.

Kreuzer has impressed in his 29-game career and will have the unenviable task of going head-to-head with Cox in what shapes as being a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

The 20-year-old won’t win the majority of the hit outs against his more experienced opponent but if he can at least break even you would expect the Carlton on-ball division to win more of the football at the stoppages given the amount of class they boast in the middle.

The Blues will also need Kreuzer to push forward and be a marking target inside 50 as it will force Cox to be accountable and in turn limit his influence on the contest as an extra midfielder.

VERDICT: This is a must-win match for Carlton if they are serious about playing finals football for the first time since 2001. West Coast has enough options in attack to trouble a relatively inexperienced Blues backline but Brett Ratten’s men have a stronger midfield than the Eagles and should get enough quality supply to their forwards to overcome the 2006 premiers who haven’t won away from home in 18 months. Blues by 19 points.

CARLTON v WEST COAST
CARLTON
B: Michael Jamison, Mark Austin, Paul Bower
HB: Nick Stevens, Bret Thornton, Dennis Armfield
C: Kade Simpson, Aaron Joseph, Bryce Gibbs
HF: Ryan Houlihan, Brad Fisher, Mitch Robinson
F: Setanta O’hAilpin, Brendan Fevola, Eddie Betts
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Chris Judd, Marc Murphy
I/C: Steven Browne, Jeff Garlett, Shaun Hampson, Jordan Russell
Emg: Joe Anderson, Richard Hadley, Chris Yarran

In: Fisher, Garlett, Houlihan, O'hAilpin
Out: Richard Hadley, Jarrad Waite (knee), Simon Wiggins (hamstring), Chris Yarran

WEST COAST
B: Mitch Brown, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Mark Nicoski, Eric Mackenzie, Shannon Hurn
C: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Matt Rosa
HF: Tom Swift, Josh Kennedy, Scott Selwood
F: Adam Hunter, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Chris Masten, Adam Selwood
I/C: Brad Ebert, Jamie McNamara, Ben McKinley, Tyson Stenglein
Emg: Sam Butler, Mark Seaby, Matt Spangher

In: Hunter, LeCras, McNamara, Stenglein, Swift
Out: Matt Priddis (groin), Sam Butler, Adam Cockie, Brett Jones, Mark Seaby

New: Tom Swift (Claremont)
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Dozen positive tests

May 28th 2009 05:39
AFL players have returned 12 positive tests to illicit drugs last year according to figures released by the league on Thursday.

Of the 12, three were for cannabinoids, eight for stimulants and one for a mixture of both.

Two players are now on two strikes after recording a second failed test in 2008.

The number of positive results represents less than one percent of total tests, well down from the four percent of failed tests in 2005 when 472 tests were conducted.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said the league is encouraged by the drop in the number of positive tests.

"I think it's been a success in reducing dramatically the number of players taking illicit drugs and in providing help and changing the behaviour of those players," Anderson said.

"Would we like to see a situation where there are no players taking illicit drugs? Absolutely."

"If you compare it against society, this is an incredibly low number of people within a population the size of our player group to be taking illicit drugs."

All players will be tested at least once during 2009, taking the number of tests from 1220 to 1500.

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Djerrkura a chance to debut

May 28th 2009 03:46
GEELONG youngster Nathan Djerrkura is a chance to make his AFL debut against Essendon at Etihad Stadium.

The 20-year-old, who was taken in the second round of the 2006 national draft, has been unable to force his way into the powerful Cats line-up, with injuries also holding him back.

But with small forward Mathew Stokes (suspension) and Paul Chapman (dislocated finger) unavailable and Darren Milburn (ankle), Ryan Gamble (concussion) and Shannon Byrnes (hamstring) in doubt, Djerrkura is in line to play his first game.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson said Sunday's game against the fleet-footed Bombers was Djerrkura's best chance to play.

"The last three weeks in the VFL he's performed really well and looks like a league player so this is probably his great opportunity to play," Thompson said.

Meanwhile, Thompson said Milburn and Byrnes were '90 percent chances' to play provided they get through training on Thursday afternoon while Gamble will also be considered if he trains without incident.

In some good news for last year's grand finalists, ruckman Brad Ottens is expected to resume running this week and possibly return in either round 12 or round 13 from a knee injury sustained against Richmond in round two.

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


Dew in selection mix

May 27th 2009 07:05
HAWTHORN veteran Stuart Dew is a strong chance to return for Sunday's match against Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

Dew was reportedly dropped for last weekend's clash against Melbourne because he was late for a training session during the week but the club denied the 30-year-old was outed for disciplinary reasons.

The Hawks will be forced make two changes for the game against the Crows with youngsters Garry Moss (knee) and Cameron Stokes (hamstring) having already been ruled out.

Hawthorn football operations manager Mark Evans said Dew was in contention to replace one of the injured duo after performining well in the VFL.

"He was very good in the VFL," Evans said.

"As it turned out he had 10 shots at goal and finished up kicking 4.3 so he is in contention (for a senior recall) this week."

The Hawks are hopeful that Moss has escaped any structural damage in which case he might only miss a fortnight but if he has suffered serious lateral ligament damage he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.

Evans said the club is considering giving Stokes an extended rest as he continues battle with hamstring soreness which has seen him play one game and then miss one for the past five weeks.

In some good news for the reigning premiers, vice-captain Luke Hodge (abdominal strain) and Rick Ladson (knee) are making good progress in their comebacks from injury.

Evans said Hodge could return for the round 11 clash against Sydney at the MCG while Ladson, who is yet to play this season, will most likely resume in the VFL during the mid-season break.

Stephen Gilham, who has been sidelined since round three, remains sidelined indefinitely with his knee injury not showing any signs of improving while fellow defender Trent Croad is on course to return at some stage in the second half of the season from a foot injury sustained in last year's grand final win.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Hawthorn Hawks
   


Ballantyne set to debut

May 27th 2009 06:34
FREMANTLE small forward Hayden Ballantyne looks set to make his AFL debut against Richmond at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The 2008 Sandover medallist has been recovering from pre-season wrist surgery for the last five months and has been back in full training for the past three weeks but is yet to even feature in a WAFL game this year.

The Dockers have been forced into the move by the untimely injury to Roger Hayden who will miss at least six weeks after fracturing his leg against North Melbourne last weekend.

Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said Ballantyne, who was taken with pick 21 in last year's national draft, has plenty to offer at AFL level.

"He's just a completely different type of player that I haven't seen in my time," Harvey said.

"A little bit of the Jeff Farmer agility in him and we need a forward that can pressure a lot better than what we have had at the moment."

"We're looking for that crumbing-type forward that we so desperately need."

"He's not an 18-year-old. He's down the track a bit, so there's a bit more constitution about his body."

"Nothing fazes him at all, which is great, provided he works really hard in discipline, with his preparation and the way he goes about playing."
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Gilbee, Higgins in doubt

May 27th 2009 04:53
WESTERN BULLDOGS playmaker Lindsay Gilbee and classy youngster Shaun Higgins are in doubt for Saturday's clash against Sydney at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

Gilbee suffered bone bruising and ligament damage to a foot when he was stood on by James Bartel in last Friday night's heartbreaking three-point loss to Geelong at Etihad Stadium.

The 27-year-old, who was a notable absentee from training on Wednesday, said he expects to be named for what will be his 150th game but he will need to pass a fitness test on Friday morning.

"It's a bit sore, but I'm pretty confident I'll get over the line - I'm maybe 60-40 at this stage to play," Gilbee said.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said Higgins, who has been battling with a groin strain, was a 50-50 chance to play against the Swans.

Eade confirmed that Ryan Hargrave (thigh) would miss again but would be right to return along with forward Robert Murphy (hamstring) for the round 11 clash against Richmond.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Ratten defends Fev

May 27th 2009 02:59
CARLTON coach Brett Ratten has defended the form of star forward Brendan Fevola.

Fevola, who earlier this season became only the third Blues' player to kick 500 career goals, has kicked just two goals in his past three matches.

But Ratten said there would be no issue with Fevola's form if he had kicked straight against Adelaide last weekend.

"At the end of the day (last week) he kicked 1.5 and one out on the full so he had seven shots at goal," Ratten said.

"So would we be talking about it (his recent lack of goals) if he kicked 5.1 or 4.2."

"But he didn't and as a full-forward he cops a bit of flak for that."

Ratten also said he was happy with the way the 29-year-old competed against the Crows and admitted his side let Fevola down with their use of the football.

"In the one-on-one battles with (Adelaide's champion full-back) Ben Rutten he beat him most of the time," he said.

"But we didn't kick the ball well to him and the delivery to him was pretty average."

Ratten denied Fevola was hampered by any injury.

"There's no physical (reason) … he's fine, he's fit," he said.

"I think the Gold Coast one (versus Fremantle) was just a bit of tightening in the glute which we thought might have been a back-related hamstring; he sort of felt a little bit of a twinge so we just got it checked out and it was right.

"The heel's pretty good now (too). He might get the odd little bit of soreness but all in all, I think if you look at most players in the competition they carry some sort of little niggle for a while."

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


Bartel found guilty

May 26th 2009 09:11
GEELONG star James Bartel has been found guilty of tripping at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night.

Bartel wasn't risking suspension by fighting the charge but the Cats were hopeful of having the 2007 Brownlow medallist on zero demerit points.

However they were unsuccessful, with the three-man jury taking less than five minutes to find Bartel guilty of negligently tripping classy Bulldogs youngster Shaun Higgins during the second quarter of last Friday night's clash at Etihad Stadium.

As a result Bartel received 88 demerit points to his future record – close to the 100 points required to receive a one-match suspension.

Bartel was originally offered a reprimand and 66 points for his level one tripping offence.

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


Cockie demoted

May 26th 2009 08:44
WEST COAST midfielder Adam Cockie has been demoted to the club's rookie list.

Cockie, who was elevated to the primary list as a replacement for first-year midfielder Luke Shuey, has impressed in his four matches for the club.

The demotion does not mean that Cockie’s AFL campaign is over for 2009, with the Eagles having the option of elevating a rookie after round 11 for the remainder of the season.

Shuey, who was taken with pick 18 in last year's national draft, will line up for East Perth reserves at the weekend after stepping up his training load over recent weeks.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, West Coast Eagles
   


Hayden to miss up to two months

May 26th 2009 05:05
FREMANTLE has suffered a major blow with defender Roger Hayden ruled out for up to two months after undergoing surgery to have a plate inserted in his broken leg.

Hayden sustained the injury during last Saturday’s clash with North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium which was his 100th AFL match.

It was intially thought that the 28-year-old had injured his calf but scans on Sunday revealed a fractured fibula.

Fremantle football operations manager Chris Bond said Hayden would miss at least six weeks.

"Given the nature of the injury we expect at this stage that he will miss between six to eight weeks," Bond said.

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


Waite out for season

May 26th 2009 04:55
CARLTON utility Jarrad Waite will miss the remainder of the season with a serious knee injury.

Waite hyper-extended his left knee in the first quarter of Blues' 44-point loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

The 26-year-old underwent arthroscopic surgery on the knee this morning which revealed he would require a full knee reconstruction.

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


Lovett-Murray, Stokes accept bans

May 26th 2009 03:29
ESSENDON defender Nathan-Lovett Murray will miss the next three weeks after accepting a three-match ban for engaging in rough conduct against Richmond's Kayne Pettifer.

Bombers coach Matthew Knights said he was disappointed to lose Lovett-Murray but believes the club has the depth to cover the loss of the 26-year-old.

In other tribunal news, Geelong small forward Matthew Stokes will miss the clash against the Bombers at Etihad Stadium on Sunday after accepting a one-match ban for striking Liam Picken.

Cats star James Bartel will face the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night electing to contest a charge laid against him from Friday night's match against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

The 2007 Brownlow medallist was charged with tripping classy Bulldogs youngster Shaun Higgins during the second quarter.

The incident was assessed as negligent conduct, low impact and body contact, which equates to 80 demerit points and a reprimand.

Because he has a total of one match suspended within the last three years, the penalty was increased by 10 per cent to 88 demerit points and a reprimand.

.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News
   


Otten earns nomination

May 26th 2009 03:06
ADELAIDE youngster Andy Otten has earned the round nine NAB Rising Star nomination for his performance against Carlton.

Ottens racked up 23 possessions and took seven marks in the Crows' 44-point win over the Blues on Saturday.

The 20-year-old has featured in all nine of the club's match this season, taking his career tally to 11 games after making his debut in round 12 last year.

Adelaide coach Neil Craig said Otten has been a consistent performer for the Crows in 2009.

"We have been really pleased with Andy's progress this year. He came to us as a tall midfielder but he has been playing in the same role Nathan Bassett did for us for a number of years, and he's been doing it well on a consistent basis," Craig said.

"He still has some things to learn about playing in defence but he is very coachable."

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


Stokes, Lovett-Murray facing suspension

May 25th 2009 08:33
GEELONG small forward Mathew Stokes has been hit with a one-match ban by the AFL match review panel for striking Western Bulldogs tagger Liam Picken.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct, low impact and body contact but his base tally of 125 demerit points rose to 187.5 points because of previous record which means that even if Stokes accepts the charge he is still looking at 140.64 points and a one- match suspension.

Essendon's Nathan Lovett-Murray is facing a lengthy stint on the sidelines after being given a three-match ban for his late, high shot on Richmond forward Kayne Pettifer during Saturday nighit's Dreamtime match at the MCG.

The panel found the contact to be high as well as medium impact, which equates to 325 points or a three-match suspension.

But because of his prior record this rose to 455 points or a four-match ban although he can accept 341.25 points and a three match ban by pleading guilty.

In other tribunal news, Cats star James Bartel was booked for tripping Shaun Higgins but can escape with a reprimand.

The match-day report laid against Bomber Courtney Dempsey was thrown out with the panel ruling that the impact was not sufficient enough to consitute a report.

Richmond midfielder Mark Coughlan also had his match-day report for making forceful contact from front-on thrown out while West Coast star Daniel Kerr was cleared over a clash with Collingwood veteran Tarkyn Lockyer after the panel ruled the contact was below that required to constitute a reportable offence.

Meanwhile, Hawthorn first gamer Beau Muston was cleared over his clash with Melbourne’s Colin Sylviaa in Sunday's clash at the MCG.

It was the view of the panel that while Muston made high contact to Sylvia with an open hand he only did so in attempting to stop Sylvia from marking.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL Opinion
   


Dockers in swine flu scare

May 25th 2009 06:57
FREMANTLE has confirmed their playing group was on the same flight as a man identified as Western Australia's first case of swine flu.

The Dockers were returning to Perth on Saturday night on the same flight as a 30-year-old man whose been diagnosed with the potentially deadly virus.

A club spokesperson said no player or staff was showing any symptoms.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Fremantle Dockers
   


Star forwards set to return for Pies

May 25th 2009 05:31
COLLINGWOOD looks set to be bolstered by the return of three star forwards for Sunday's clash against Port Adelaide at the MCG.

Speaking at the club's recovery session on Monday morning, defender Harry O'Brien said Paul Medhurst, Alan Didak and Dale Thomas shpuld be right to play if they get through training this week.

"I think Paul Medhurst, Didak and Thomas ... If all goes well they should be available," O'Brien said.

"They would be very handy ins for us."

Medhurst has not played since being a late withdrawal in round six with an ankle injury, while Alan Didak has been battling a hamstring injury since round four and Dale Thomas has missed the past two matches with a knee complaint.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Hawks outclass Dees

May 24th 2009 10:44
HAWTHORN has strung together back-to-back wins for the first time this season after downing Melbourne by 22 points at the MCG on Sunday.

The Hawks got the early jump and were never seriously challenged as they ran out 17.12 (114) to 13.14 (92) winners.

The Demons battled hard but the reigning premiers simply had too much class for Dean Bailey’s men.

The result sees the Hawks move to seventh place on the AFL ladder but they are level on points with the third-placed Western Bulldogs while the Demons remain at the bottom of the table with just one win.

Jordan Lewis was instrumental in setting up the win, collecting 22 of his game-high 31 possessions in the first half.

Hawthorn skipper Sam Mitchell also helped himself to 31 disposals while Beau Muston was impressive on debut with 31 touches, 10 marks and one goal.

Up forward, Lance Franklin and Jarryd Roughead booted four and three goals respectively.

For the Demons, Colin Sylvia played his best game for the club, finishing the match with a game-high 37 possessions and four second half goals while Brad Green made a good return from a broken jaw with 30 disposals.

Franklin was at his devastating best in the opening term, booting three of Hawthorn’s six goals to help his side to a 21-point lead at quarter-time.

With Lewis dominating in the middle and Franklin and Roughead causing all sorts of headaches for Melbourne’s inexperienced defence, the Hawks were able to open up a commanding 40-point lead at half-time.

Goals from Brent Guerra and Mark Williams saw the margin blow out to 55 points early in the third quarter and it appeared as if the Hawks were on course for a percentage boosting win.

But Sylvia stepped up and booted three goals in a stunning five-minute burst to reduce the deficit to 37 points.

However, Melbourne’s joy was short-lived with Cyril Rioli booting two classy goals to help his side to a match-winning 47-point lead at three-quarter time.

With the result well and truly beyond doubt the Hawks took their foot off the pedal in the final quarter as the Demons booted five goals to one to add some respectability to the scoreboard.

HAWTHORN: 6.2, 11.7, 16.9, 17.12 (114)
MELBOURNE: 2.5, 4.6, 8.10, 13.14 (92)
GOALS: Hawthorn: Franklin 4, Roughead 3, Bateman 2, Guerra 2, Rioli 2, McGlynn, Muston, Osborne, Williams
Melbourne: Sylvia 4, Martin 2, Robertson 2, Bate, Bruce, Johnson, McDonald, McLean
BEST: Hawthorn: Lewis, Muston, Mitchell, Sewell, Morton,Franklin, Rioli, Roughead
Melbourne: Sylvia, Green, Jones, Bruce, Morton, McLean
INJURIES: Hawthorn: Nil
Melbourne: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Rosebury, Hay, Avon
CROWD: 39,395 at the MCG

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


Saints remain unbeaten

May 24th 2009 07:32
ST KILDA remains unbeaten in 2009 after recording a hard-fought 16-point win over Brisbane at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The Saints trailed by nine points in the final term but lifted and responded with six of the last eight goals of the match to prevail 14.13 (97) to 13.3 (81).

Leigh Montagna was damaging with a game-high 33 possessions and two goals while Lenny Hayes racked up 31 disposals in his 200th game.

Brendon Goddard continued his impressive start to the season with 31 touches while Justin Koschitzke and skipper Nick Riewoldt booted four goals apiece.

Clinton Jones kept Travis Johnstone to just 11 possessions while Stephen Milne chimed in with three valuable majors in the final term including a contender for goal-of-the year.

For the Lions, Simon Black showed his class with 27 quality disposals while Josh Drummond continually set up his side’s attacking forays forward from defence.

Cheynee Stiller kept in-form St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo quiet while Jared Brennan was a busy contributor with 26 touches.

The first term belonged to the Saints who dominated at the stoppages and entered inside their forward 50 eight more times than the Lions as they slammed on four goals to one to open up a 20-point lead at quarter-time.

St Kilda had their chances to put the result beyond doubt in the second term but they failed to capitalise in front of goal, booting a wasteful 1.7 for the quarter.

While the Saints wasted their chances the Lions were incredibly efficient, kicking 4.1 for the term to trail by just eight points at half time.

Brisbane coach Michael Voss swung youngster Aaron Cornelius into attack in the third term and it paid dividends with the Tasmanian rookie booting two of his side’s five goals for the quarter to help the Lions to a three-point advantage at three-quarter time.

Both sides traded early goals before Justin Sherman’s second extended Brisbane’s lead to nine points.

The Lions looked set to cause one of the biggest upsets of the season but quick goals from Milne and Montagna put St Kilda back in front before Milne kicked a freakish soccer goal from 20m.

Jonathan Brown kept his side in the contest with his third but majors from Riewoldt and Milne sealed the win for the Saints.

ST KILDA: 4.2, 5.9. 8.12, 14.13 (97)
BRISBANE LIONS: 1.0, 5.1, 10.3, 13.3 (81)
GOALS: St Kilda: Koschitzke 4, Riewoldt 4, Milne 3, Montagna 2,
Gardiner
Brisbane: Brown 3, Bradshaw 2, Polkinghorne 2, Cornelius 2, Sherman 2
Black, Austin
BEST: St Kilda: Montagna, Jones, Hayes, Goddard, Koschitzke, Riewoldt, Ball, Gilbert, S Fisher
Brisbane: Black, Drummond, Stiller, Brennan, Clark, Cornelius, Polkinghorne, Sherman
INJURIES: St Kilda: Nil
Brisbane:
UMPIRES: Donlon, Meredith, Keating
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Brisbane: Proud (hip) replaced in selected side by Collier
CROWD: 30,673 at Etihad Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Slick Swans pummel Power

May 24th 2009 06:39
SYDNEY has moved into the top eight with a 55-point win over Port Adelaide at the SCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Swans set up their fifth win of the season with a dominant first term before cruising to a comfortable 18.15 (123) to 10.8 (68) victory.

Sydney has now won its past five matches against Port.

Brett Kirk led from the front with a game-high 32 possessions and two goals while Jude Bolton was also influential with 29 disposas.

Jarrad McVeigh won plenty of the football and chimed in with two goals while Ryan O’Keefe was a busy contributor with 21 touches.

The Swans shared the load in front of goal - they had 12 individual goal kickers for the match.

For Port, Kane Cornes (23 possessions), skipper Domenic Cassisi and promising youngster Hamish Hartlett tried hard all day but they simply didn’t have enough winners to challenge the Swans who were a class above their opposition.

Sydney jumped out of the blocks in the opening stanza, winning more of the contested football and running hard as they slammed on eight goals including seven unanswered to go into quarter-time with a commanding 43-point lead.

The Power’s only score for the term came through Hartlett who kicked his first goal in AFL football at the 25-minute mark.

Port started the second term better with Tredrea kicking truly inside the first minute but the Swans responded with quick goals from McVeigh and Darren Jolly to blow the margin out to 51 points.

The goals dried up for the remainder of the term but their were still plenty of highlights with Adam Goodes and Michael O'Loughlin taking spectacular diving grabs while Heath Grundy took a contender for mark-of-the year.

Daniel Motlop took a brilliant mark late in the term but he failed to convert and was made to pay with a Barry Hall major giving the Swans a 51-point lead at half-time.

Early goals from Warren Tredrea and Hartlett gave the Power a sniff but the Swans had all the answers and went into three-quarter time with a match-winning 49-point lead before adding a further five majors in the final stanza to cap off an impressive performance.

SYDNEY: 8.1, 11.6, 13.13, 18.15 (123)
PORT ADELAIDE: 1.0, 3.3, 6.6, 10.8 (68)
GOALS: Sydney:McVeigh 2, Jolly 2, Hall 2, White 2, Goodes 2, Kirk 2, Buchanan, Moore, O'Loughlin, Mattner, O'Keefe, J. Bolton,
Port Adelaide:Tredrea 2, Hartlett 2, Ebert 2, Motlop, Burgoyne, Cassisi, Logan,
BEST: Sydney:Kirk, Bolton, McVeigh, O’Keefe, Jolly, Buchanan
Port Adelaide:K. Cornes, Hartlett, Cassisi, Gray, Thomas,
INJURIES: Sydney:Craig Bird was stretchered off the field in the 15th minute of the third term after landing heavily on his right knee attempting to take a leaping grab.
Port Adelaide:Nil
REPORTS:Nil
CHANGES:Jared Crouch replaced Sydney defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson (hamstring) in the match-day 22. Veteran midfielder Josh Carr was a late addition for Port Adelaide in place of Matthew Westhoff.
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Stevic, Ryan
CROWD: 23,229 at the SCG

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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Waite could miss rest of season

May 24th 2009 04:31
CARLTON utility Jarrad Waite looks set to miss the remainder of the season after the Blues confirmed he had suffered 'a partial tear' in his left anterior cruciate ligament.

Waite suffered the injury during the first quarter of the Blues' 44-point loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Carlton football operations manager Steven Icke said Waite would consult with his surgeon and medical staff tomorrow to determine the best course of treatment.

"We're not sure what the recommendation will be,'' Icke said.

"It could be a conservative rehab approach where he is placed in a brace for six weeks and it is allowed to recover."

"He might have arthroscopic surgery to assess the damage to the other parts of the knee, or they might recommend that he has a full knee reconstruction."

"It's not as bad as a full ACL rupture but the prognosis may still be a knee reconstruction.''

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Round nine preview: Hawthorn v Melbourne

May 23rd 2009 15:36
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Sunday May 24, 4.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 149, Hawthorn 75, Melbourne 74

LAST TIME: Hawthorn 14.13 (97) def Melbourne 12.6 (78), Round 9 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: Hawthorn has won four of its past five against Melbourne.

FORM: Hawthorn bounced back from the disappointing loss to Essendon with a hard-fought 22-point win over Fremantle at Subiaco Oval last weekend. The Hawks are yet to string two wins together this season. Melbourne has been competitive this season and could have easily won their last two matches against West Coast and the Western Bulldogs but their lack of composure has proven to be costly.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Hawks welcome back Cameron Stokes from a hamstring injury but are still without Trent Croad (foot), Luke Hodge (groin), Stephen Gilham (knee), Clinton Young (hamstring), Rick Ladson (knee), Xavier Ellis (back) and Max Bailey (knee). For the Demons, defenders Jared Rivers and James Frawley return after missing last weekend’s loss to the Bulldogs with ankle and hip injuries respectively while Brad Green has recovered from a fractured jaw and will play against the reigning premiers. Paul Wheatley will miss at least another week with a quad injury while promising young defender Colin Garland is sidelined indefinitely with a foot injury. Lively small forward Austin Wonaeamirri (knee) won’t play his first game of the year until the second half of the season while ruckman John Meesen (foot) and youngster Sam Blease (fractured leg) are out for the year.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brad Sewell vs. Aaron Davey

Davey continued his scintillating start to the season with 28 possessions, one goal, three goals assists and four inside 50’s against the Western Bulldogs.

The 25-year-old is arguably one of the best users of the football in the AFL.

The Hawks will be keen to keep him quiet as Melbourne’s forwards will struggle to receive enough quality supply to kick a winning score without him having an influence through the middle.

Sewell is Hawthorn’s best stopper in the middle and will most likely be given the task of tagging Davey on Sunday.

Expect Sewell, who is ranked second in the AFL for tackles per game and averages 26 possessions, to deny Davey any time or space at the stoppages and also try and hurt him going the other way.

James McDonald vs. Sam Mitchell

The last time these two sides met in round nine last year Mitchell starred, racking up a game-high 33 disposals in a performance that earned him the three Brownlow medal votes.

Mitchell is damaging with his ability to win the football in close and use it cleanly by hand to find his teammates in space.

If the Demons are going to be any hope of containing the Hawks talent-laden forward line they will need to quell the influence of Mitchell.

With their first-choice midfield stopper in Bartram out of the side the Demons may opt to give McDonald the task of negating the Hawthorn skipper.

Like Mitchell, McDonald is highly effective at winning the contested football.

While it is vital that McDonald pays close attention to Mitchell at the stoppages he also needs to be proactive and force the 26-year-old to worry about his direct opponent.

Thomas Murphy vs. Matthew Bate

Bate was among his side’s best in the loss to the Dogs with 16 disposals, eight marks and four goals.

Melbourne will need a similar performance from him on Sunday if they are going to have any hope of causing a massive upset.

Murphy has filled a key role in defence given the continued absence of Croad and Gilham and will most likely be given first crack at Bate.

Bate is a leading forward - he isn’t capable of taking pack marks - so the Demons will need to be quick and clean with their use of the football through the corridor to give him the best chance of having an impact otherwise they will be punished on the rebound.

Stefan Martin vs. Lance Franklin

Franklin looms as the main danger man for Melbourne given that he booted nine goals in two games against Dean Bailey’s men last season.

Last year’s Coleman medallist is yet to put in a really dominant display and could well explode against the bottom-placed Demons.

Martin has the height and mobility to match Franklin and looms as the obvious candidate to line-up on the Hawthorn star.

Don’t be surprised if Bailey uses Jared Rivers as a loose man in defence to clog up the space in which Franklin leads into.

VERDICT: When these two sides met in round one last year Hawthorn cruised to a convincing 104-point win. It will be a lot closer this time around as the Demons are a much-improved side while the Hawks are yet to hit top form. However, Melbourne’s poor skills and inability to play four quarters of consistent football will prevent them from recording just their second win of the season. Hawks by 28 points.

HAWTHORN v MELBOURNE
Hawthorn
B: Brendan Whitecross, Thomas Murphy, Brent Guerra
HB: Beau Dowler, Campbell Brown, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Beau Muston
HF: Mark Williams, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Garry Moss
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Chance Bateman
I/C: Robert Campbell, Cameron Stokes, Ben McGlynn, Jarryd Morton
Emg: Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck

In: Muston, Stokes
Out: Stuart Dew, Travis Tuck

New: Beau Muston (Murray U18)

Melbourne
B: Matthew Whelan, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jack Grimes, Colin Sylvia, Brock McLean
HF: Cale Morton, Brad Miller, Russell Robertson
F: Brad Green, Matthew Bate, Cameron Bruce
Foll: Paul Johnson, Brent Moloney, James McDonald
I/C: Ricky Petterd, Addam Maric, Nathan Jones, Jamie Bennell
Emg: Mark Jamar, Kyle Cheney, Clint Bartram

In: Rivers, Frawley, Green, Bennell
Out: Lynden Dunn, Shane Valenti, Clint Bartram, Kyle Cheney

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Round nine preview: St Kilda v Brisbane

May 23rd 2009 14:52
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Sunday 24 May, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 36: St Kilda 16, Brisbane 20

LAST TIME: Brisbane Lions 21.15 (141) d St Kilda 14.11 (95) at the Gabba, Round 9, 2008

RECENT HISTORY: St Kilda has won three of its past five against Brisbane with two of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: St Kilda maintained its unbeaten start to the season with win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium last weekend. The Saints were challenged all night but had all the answers, eventually prevailing by 19 points. Brisbane has won its past three matches to move to fifth spot on the AFL ladder with a 5-3 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Saints will be without Jason Gram (thigh) while Jarryd Allen (hip) and Sean Dempster (knee) are sidelined indefinitely. Xavier Clarke is out for the season with a knee injury. The Lions have lost defenders Joel Patfull (fractured jaw) and Daniel Merrett (ankle) for up to a month while ruckmen Jamie Charman (ankle) and Matthew Leuenberger (knee) and midfielder Brad Dalzell (knee) remain on the sidelines. Midfielder Troy Selwood has taken longer than expected to recover from his head clash with Richmond youngster Alex Rance at the MCG in round seven and will miss the match against St Kilda.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Zac Dawson vs. Daniel Bradshaw

Bradshaw became the greatest goal kicker in Brisbane’s history last weekend when he booted five goals- three of which came in the third term as the Lions took control of the contest.

The Lions veteran has now booted 25 majors in eight games this season

The last time these two sides met in round nine last year Bradshaw kicked six goals to help lift his side to a 46-point victory.

The Lions will need Bradshaw to fire once again on Sunday if they are going to end St Kilda’s unbeaten start to the season.

He will most likely be matched up by Dawson who has been impressive in defence after joining the Saints via the rookie draft following a brief stint with Hawthorn.

If Bradshaw is going to have any hope of winning his duel with Dawson he will need his midfield to be quick and direct with their use of the football otherwise St Kilda will be able to push numbers back and continually rebound the football out of defensive 50 and punish Brisbane on the rebound.

Luke Power vs. Lenny Hayes

Hayes played a key role in the win over the Bulldogs, racking up a team-high 33 possessions.

The 29-year-old is an integral part of the St Kilda midfield with his ability to win the football in close and he will be keen to have a big game in what will be his 200th match.

If the Lions are going to be any hope of containing the Saints potent forward line they will need to quell the influence of Hayes who is able to win the football at the stoppages and find damaging users such as Nick Dal Santo, Brendon Goddard and Leigh Montagna in space.

With Brisbane’s number one midfield stopper in Selwood out of the side, Brisbane coach Michael Voss may opt to use Power in an attacking run with role.

Power will need to deny Hayes any time or space in which to work in and also win his fair share of the football in order to make him accountable.

Clinton Jones vs. Simon Black

When these two sides met in round nine last year Black was damaging with 28 disposals and eight inside 50’s in a performance that earned him the one Brownlow medal vote.

Shutting down Black will be a key for the Saints if they are going to starve the Lions’ star forwards in Jonathan Brown and Bradshaw of quality supply.

Jones has been given the job of tagging the opposition’s best midfielder so far this season and looms as the obvious candidate to run with the 2002 Brownlow medallist in what shapes as being a crucial contest in determining the outcome of this match.

The 25-year-old will need to apply relentless pressure all day otherwise Black will hurt the Saints with his ability to win the football in close and deliver it cleanly inside 50.

Jared Brennan vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt has been his side’s most productive forward so far this season, booting 24 goals in eight games.

If the Lions are going to have any chance of recording a rare win at Etihad Stadium they will need to contain Riewoldt who is currently in All-Australian form.

With Merrett and Patfull out of the side Brennan will most likely be given the job of matching up on Riewoldt given that he has the height and the athletic capabilities to match the hard-leading St Kilda skipper.

Brisbane is ranked third in the AFL for tackles per game with an average of 67.8.

They will need to suffocate the life out of the Saints midfield with their pressure skills otherwise Riewoldt will dominate as he is virtually unstoppable on the lead.

VERDICT: The last time Brisbane took on an undefeated team they were thumped to the tune of 93 points by Geelong. The Lions will be more competitive on Sunday but with two of their best defenders in Merrett and Patfull unavailable due to injury they will struggle to contain a St Kilda side that has the second most potent forward line in the competition. Saints by 32 points.

ST KILDA v BRISBANE LIONS
St Kilda
B: Farren Ray, Jason Blake, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, Sam Fisher, Brendon Goddard
C: Raphael Clarke, 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: Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt, Steven King, Andrew McQualter
Emg: Robert Eddy, Ben McEvoy, Luke Miles

In: R. Clarke
Out: Jason Gram (thigh)

Brisbane Lions
B: Ashley McGrath, Joel Macdonald, James Polkinghorne
HB: Sam Sheldon, Jared Brennan, Josh Drummond
C: Scott Harding, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone, Jed Adcock
I/C: Tim Notting, Albert Proud, Aaron Cornelius, Matt Austin
Emg: Jason Roe, Pearce Hanley, Tom Collier

In: Cornelius, Notting
Out: Daniel Merrett (ankle), Joel Patfull (jaw)

New: Aaron Cornelius (Tassie Mariners)


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Round nine preview: Sydney v Port Adelaide

May 23rd 2009 14:11
VENUE and TIME: SCG, Sunday 24 May, 1.10pm AEST

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 17, Sydney 11, Port Adelaide 6

LAST TIME: Sydney 16.9 (105) def Port Adelaide 14.10 (94), Round 9 2008 at AAMI Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Sydney has won its past four against Port Adelaide with two of those wins coming at the SCG.

FORM: Sydney continued its win-loss trend with a thrilling five-point victory over West Coast in yet another classic contest at ANZ Stadium last weekend. The Swans have won four of their first eight matches. Port Adelaide’s last-gasp win over Richmond at AAMI Stadium saw it move into the top four with a 5-3 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: Sydney defender Lewis Roberts-Thomson will play against Port despite tweaking his hamstring against the Eagles last weekend last weekend. Former Geelong forward Henry Playfair (hamstring) is sidelined indefinitely while veteran defender Leo Barry (calf) and Patrick Veszprem (ruptured finger tendon) are at least another week away. For Port, Steven Salopek returns after dislocating his shoulder against North Melbourne in round seven. Exciting youngster Nathan Krakeour has been rested while classy midfielder Shaun Burgoyne and forward Justin Westhoff remain on the sidelines with knee and foot injuries respectively.

[B KEY MATCH-UPS: ]Kane Cornes vs. Adam Goodes

Goodes was instrumental in the win over the Eagles with 26 possessions, three goals and five inside 50’s.

The dual Brownlow medallist is an integral part of the Sydney midfield with his ability to break the lines and kick goals.

The Power will be keen to shut-down the run and carry he provides through the middle and will give their best tagger in Cornes the task of running with the classy Swans star in what shapes as being a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

Cornes, who has averaged 26 disposals per game so far this season, will need to deny Goodes any time or space at the stoppages and also try and hurt him going the other way.

Craig Bolton vs. Warren Tredrea

Tredrea starred in the win over Tigers, booting seven goals including the match-winner.

The former Port skipper has kicked 27 goals in eight games this season and will need to be contained if Sydney is going to maintain its unbeaten start at home in 2009.

However, he faces a tough afternoon at the office as he will be matched up by Bolton who will make him earn every goal.

If Tredrea is going to have any hope of having an impact on Sunday he will need his midfield to break the lines and get the football quickly into the forward line otherwise the Swans will be able to clog up the space in which he leads into.

Alipate Carlile vs. Barry Hall

Hall bounced back from the disappointing performance against Geelong with five goals against the Eagles.

When Hall fires the Swans invariably go on to win so keeping him quiet will be a key for the Power if they are going to secure a rare win over Sydney at the SCG.

Carlile has taken on some of the competition’s premier forwards during his 40-game career and will be given the job on Swans spearhead.

Given the small dimensions of the SCG Carlile will need his midfield to get on top at the stoppages if he is going have any hope of containing Hall.

Brett Kirk vs. Peter Burgoyne

Burgoyne was among his side’s best against the Tigers with a game-high 26 possessions and six inside 50’s.

The eldest of the Burgoyne brothers provides plenty of drive - he is second at Port for disposals and inside 50’s.

Shutting him down will be a key for the Swans if they are going to contain the Power’s multi-pronged attack.

Kirk claimed another scalp last weekend - he restricted Eagles midfielder Matt Priddis to just 14 possessions and looms as the obvious candidate to go head-to-head with Burgoyne in the middle.

The Swans co-captain, who racked up a game-high 31 disposals and booted one goal the last time these two sides met in round nine last year, will apply relentless pressure all day and also test out the defensive side of Burgoyne’s game.

VERDICT: All four of Sydney’s wins have come at home this season and they would fancy their chances of continuing their unbeaten run given that Port has just won three of its 10 matches at the SCG. The Power has the class and pace through the middle of the ground to break the game open but the Swans are a well-drilled and disciplined side and they will win more of the contested football and provide their forwards with enough quality supply to kick a winning score in what shapes as being a low-scoring affair. Swans by 15 points.

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

In: Malceski
Out: Brett Meredith

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Steve Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Domenic Cassisi, Chad Cornes, Travis Boak
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, Matt Thomas
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Matt Westhoff, Marlon Motlop, Hamish Hartlett, Tom Logan
Emg: Josh Carr, David Rodan, Jason Davenport

In: M. Motlop, Salopek, M. Westhoff
Out: Jason Davenport, David Rodan, Nathan Krakouer (general soreness)
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Waite to undergo scans

May 23rd 2009 13:47
CARLTON utility Jarrad Waite will undergo scans tomorrow to determine the severity of a knee injury.

Waite appeared to hyper-extend his left knee late in the first quarter of the Blues' 44-point loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Blues coach Brett Ratten said he expected the 26-year-old to miss at least one to two weeks.
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Pies down Eagles

May 23rd 2009 13:42
COLLLINGWOOD has ended a two-game losing skid with a 22-point win over West Coast at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night.

The Magpies booted six unanswered goals from the two-minute mark of the second term to the 10-minute mark of the third to help set up the 12.16 (88) to 9.12 (66) win.

The victory continues Collingwood’s impressive record on the road - they have won nine of their past 11 interstate matches.

West Coast started well but themselves down with their poor decision making and use of the football after quarter-time.

The Eagles have now lost their past two matches to slump to 13th place on the AFL ladder with a 3-6 win-loss record.

Leon Davis starred with 32 quality disposals and three goals while Scott Pendlebury (38 possessions) and Dane Swan (36 touches) were just as damaging.

Tarkyn Lockyer won plenty of the football and booted two goals in his 200th game while John Anthony chimed in with three first-half majors.

Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell was busy in defence with 29 disposals and 12 marks while Cameron Wood and Josh Fraser had the better of their duel with Eagles ruckman Dean Cox.

For West Coast, Andrew Embley (29 possessions) and Adam Selwood (25 disposals) tried hard all night while Ben McKinley booted four goals but two of those came in the final stanza when the result was well and truly beyond doubt.

Daniel Kerr finished the match with 26 touches but he wasn’t his usual damaging self.

Collingwood dominated general play in the opening ten minutes and entered inside their forward 50 nine times but only managed one goal through Anthony.

West Coast hit back through David Wirrpanda who was swung forward to cover the late withdrawal of leading goal scorer Mark LeCras before further majors from Brad Ebert and Josh Kennedy saw the Eagles skip out to a 12-point lead at quarter-time.

The Magpies took control of the contest in the second term, rebounding the football out of defensive 50 with ease and punishing the Eagles on the rebound.

They had nine scoring shots for the quarter but only went into half-time with a eight-point advantage after booting a wasteful 3.6.

Davis made West Coast pay for some loose checking by kicking the first goal of the second half before majors from Leigh Brown and Lockyer blew the margin out to 27 points.

Collingwood looked set to run away with the contest but McKinley kept his side within striking distance with two goals.

The Eagles went into three-quarter time trailing by 20 points but they should have been closer.

Andrew Embley marked 10 metres from goal and looked certain to reduce the deficit to 15 points but he played on and was tackled Nick Maxwell with his shot hitting the post.

It proved to be a costly error with Davis kicking the first two goals in the first five minutes of the final term to secure a valuable win away from for the Pies.

WEST COAST: 3.4, 3.8, 5.10, 9.12 (66)
COLLINGWOOD: 1.4, 4.10, 8.12, 12.16 (88)
GOALS: West Coast: McKinley 4, Wirrpanda, Ebert, Kennedy, Jones, Cox
Collingwood: Anthony 3, Davis 3, Lockyer 2, Shaw, Brown, Dick, Sidebottom
BEST: West Coast: A. Selwood, Embley McKinley, Kerr, Priddis, Glass
Collingwood: Davis, Swan, Pendlebury, Maxwell, Lockyer, Dick, O'Brien
INJURIES: West Coast: Nil
Collingwood: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: West Coast Mark Le Cras (virus) replaced in selected side by Brett Jones.
Collingwood: Ben Reid (virus) replaced in selected side by Brad Dick
UMPIRES: Margetts, Findlay, McInerney
CROWD: 36,658 at Subiaco Oval
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Bombers smash Tigers

May 23rd 2009 13:17
ESSENDON has added to Richmond's woes with a convincing 40-point win at the MCG on Saturday night.

The Bombers trailed by as much as 22 points but took control of the contest in the third term before eventually running out 19.11 (125) to 12.13 (85) winners.

Richmond was clearly the better side in the opening half but fell away badly after half-time with several of their key players failing to have an impact after a bright start.

The results sees Essendon improve to a 5-4 win-loss record while the Tigers are languishing in 15th spot with just one win.

The loss is sure to put embattled coach Terry Wallace under even more scrutiny during the week.

Jason Winderlich generated plenty of run with a team-high 28 possessions, 12 marks and two goals while Jobe Watson overcame a sluggish start to finish the match with 24 touches.

Andrew Lovett also won plenty of the football while Brent Stanton (20 disposals) was instrumental in the comeback.

Essendon skipper Matthew Lloyd and lively small forward Alwyn Davey booted four and three goals respectively.

For the Tigers, Shane Tuck racked up a game-high 30 possessions while Nathan Foley was also busy in the middle with 27 disposals.

Nathan Brown was damaging early and finished the match with 18 touches, 12 marks and two goals while Mitch Morton chimed in with three majors.

Richmond got off to a perfect start with Morton kicking the first goal of the match inside three minutes.

The Tigers smashed the Bombers at the stoppages and were rewarded for their willingness to run hard, adding a further four majors for the term to open up a 16-point lead at quarter-time.

When Brown kicked truly the margin had blown out to 22 points early in the second term and it looked as if Richmond was on course for just its second win of the season.

But the Bombers hit back with majors from Davey and Lloyd to close to within nine points.

Richmond responded and went into half-time with a handy 16-point buffer after Kayne Pettifer kicked his second goal of the night.

The Tigers had their chances to extend their lead early in the third term but they failed to convert and were made to pay with Essendon kicking two quick goals to reduce the deficit to just seven points.

With Watson and Stanton exerting their influence in the midfield, the Bombers were able to hit the front for the first time in the match and went into three-quarter time with a 12-point advantage.

Essendon then put the result beyond doubt with the first four majors of the final stanza in a stunning 11-minute burst.

RICHMOND: 5.5, 9.8, 10.12,12.13 (85)
ESSENDON: 3.1, 7.4, 13.6, 19.11 (125)
GOALS: Richmond: Morton 3, Pettifer 2, Brown 2, Polo, Connors, Cotchin, Deledio, Collins
Essendon: Lloyd 4, Davey 3, Zaharakis 3, Watson 2, Lovett 2, Winderlich 2, Hocking, Monfries, Lonergan
BEST: Richmond: Tuck, Deledio, Foley, Collins, Brown, Morton
Essendon: Winderlich, Lovett, Watson, Lloyd, Stanton, Ryder
INJURIES: Richmond: TBC
Essendon: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Connors replaced Thursfield in Richmond's selected side
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Wenn, Mollison
CROWD: 73,625 at the MCG
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Crows crush Blues

May 23rd 2009 08:49
ADELAIDE has snapped a three-game losing streak and celebrated Andrew McLeod’s club record 313th game with a 44-point demolition of Carlton at AAMI Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Crows set up their fourth win of the season with a dominant first half before withstanding a fight back from the Blues to prevail 15.14 (104) to 8.12 (60).

The loss was made worse for Carlton with utility Jarrad Waite suffering a serious knee injury late in the first term.

Tyson Edwards and Scott Thompson were influential in the middle, racking up 30-plus possessions while Simon Goodwin and David Mackay were also prominent.

Michael Doughty (27 disposals) kept Carlton skipper Chris Judd to just 19 touches while Chris Knights booted a career-best five goals.

For the Blues, Nick Stevens (32 possessions, two goals) tried hard all day while Marc Murphy got his side back into the contest in the second half and finished the match with 23 disposals and two majors.

The Crows stamped their authority on the contest in the opening stanza, winning more of the football and applying relentless pressure all over the ground.

But despite entering inside their forward 50 eight more times than Carlton they went into quarter-time with just a 19-point lead after booting a wayward 3.4.

Knights was damaging in the second term, booting three of his side’s five goals for the quarter to help the Crows to a commanding 49-point lead at half-time.

Not surprisingly the Blues managed just two behinds for the term after having just four entries inside 50.

It was the first time in 20 years that Carlton had been held goalless for a half of football.

Adelaide kicked the first goal of the second half through Kurt Tippett before Carlton finally ended the goal scoring drought at the five-minute mark with Eddie Betts kicking an opportunistic goal.

It sparked the Blues into action with Matthew Kreuzer chiming in with two majors before Murphy snapped truly to give his side a sniff.

Adelaide had their chances to extend their lead but they failed to capitalise and led by just 27 points at three-quarter time after Stevens kicked his first.

A running goal from Brent Reilly in the opening minute of the final term took some of the sting out of Carlton’s comeback but they didn’t lie down and responded through Brendan Fevola and Murphy.

But the Crows had all the answers and went on to register their first win at home for the season.

ADELAIDE: 3.4, 8.6, 9.11, 15.14 (104)
CARLTON: 0.3,0.5,5.8, 8.12 (60)
GOALS: ADELAIDE: Knights 5, Tippett 2, Vince 2, Porplyzia 2,Doughty, Otten, Reilly, Dangerfield
CARLTON: Kreuzer 2, Murphy 2, Stevens 2, Betts, Fevola
BEST: ADELAIDE: Doughty, Edwards, Knights, Thompson, Mackay, Johncock, Otten
CARLTON: Stevens, Murphy, Browne, Bower, Gibbs, Kreuzer
INJURIES: ADELAIDE: tbc
CARLTON: Waite (left knee)
REPORTS: -
CHANGES: Scotland replaced in the selected side by Wiggins.
UMPIRES: McLaren, Hendrie, Pannell
CROWD: 41,107 at the AAMI

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Roos overrun Dockers

May 23rd 2009 07:32
NORTH MELBOURNE has overcome a sluggish start to record a 13-point win over Fremantle at Eithad Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Kangaroos trailed by 26 points at quarter-time but worked their way back into the contest in the second term and eventually held on for a 14.14 (98) to 12.13 (85) victory.

The results sees the Roos improve to a 4-5 win-loss record while the Dockers have now lost their past two to slip to 14th place on the ladder with three wins.

Fremantle has now lost their past seven matches at Etihad Stadium.

David Hale returned to form with five goals while Brady Rawlings racked up a team-high 24 possessions.

Former skipper Adam Simpson also won plenty of the football while Gavin Urquhart showed his class with 19 disposals.

For the Dockers, Paul Hasleby continued his brilliant start to the season with 26 touches and two goals while Luke McPharlin and Matthew Pavlich booted four and three goals respectively.

The Kangaroos kicked the first goal of the match but the rest of the term belonged to Fremantle.

The Dockers had 12 more entries into their forward line than the Roos in the opening stanza and translated that into a 26-point lead at quarter-time after booting six of the last seven goals of the term.

Daniel Wells helped get his side back into the match in the second term. The classy North midfielder set up goals for Drew Petrie and Hale before sidestepping two Dockers defenders and slotting a brilliant major of his own.

North’s greater intensity resulted in a further three goals for the term to reduce the deficit to just five points at half-time.

Fremantle led for most of what was a lacklustre third quarter before Dockers defender Steven Dodd committed an error that turned the game on its head.

Dodd pushed the ball through for a behind that was rightly deemed deliberate.

Aaron Edwards converted from an acute angle before quick goals from Sam Wright and Todd Goldstein saw the Roos jump out to a handy 13-point lead at three-quarter time.

North got off to a perfect start in the final stanza with Hale kicking his fourth in the opening minute.

Fremantle refused to be blown away and responded with majors from Pavlich and McPharlin to close to within six points.

The Dockers had their chances to hit the front but they failed to capitalise and were made to pay with Hale sealing a much-needed win for the Kangaroos with his fifth goal.

NORTH MELBOURNE: 2.3, 8.8, 12.11, 14.14 (98)
FREMANTLE: 6.5, 9.7, 10.10, 12.13 (85)
GOALS: North Melbourne: Hale 5, Warren 2, Wells, Petrie, Harding, Rawlings, Wright, Edwards, Goldstein
Fremantle: McPharlin 4, Pavlich 3, Hasleby 2, Hayden, Peake, Headland
BEST: North Melbourne: Rawlings, Hale, Urquhart, Gibson, Swallow, Simpson, Petrie
Fremantle: Pavlich, Hasleby, Ibbotson, McPharlin, Hinkley
INJURIES: North Melbourne: Ziebell (shoulder)
Fremantle: Hayden (calf)
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: McBurney, Stewart, M.Nicholls
CROWD: 15,436 at Etihad Stadium

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Cats get valuable test

May 23rd 2009 01:12
GEELONG coach Mark Thompson says his side got the test it needed in the thrilling victory over the Western Bulldogs on Friday night.

The Cats held on for a two-point win after Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson’s shot after the siren narrowly missed.

Thompson admitted he didn't care whether his side won and said it was invaluable to play in close matches because it placed pressure on the players and the coaches.

"If you play in a close game it's always a good thing. Sometimes you lose them, sometimes you win them," Thompson said.

"(It's) just that moment that you're living in that last quarter when everything that you do is so important, those matches you remember for a while. They're pretty significant."

"It exposes you to the pressures that you need to be exposed to. I don't think that you need to do it every week because it's a pretty difficult job but every now and then it's great."

The win was soured somewhat for the Cats with Paul Chapman and Ryan Gamble suffering injuries but Geelong's football manager Neil Balme said the injuries weren't as bad as they looked.

Chapman will require surgery to mend a compound dislocation to a finger but could still play against Essendon next weekend while Gamble was taken to Epworth Hospital with concussion after landing on his head in the second quarter from a marking contest with Bulldogs defender Dale Morris.

Meanwhile, Thompson singled out forward Cameron Mooney who missed the match after earning a one-game suspension for striking North Melbourne's Scott Thompson.

“I would have done something really brave if we’d have lost the game. Maybe I should do it anyway, I should really have a go at Cameron Mooney because we did miss him enormously,” he said.

“To go out with a silly thing like that, it could have cost the club. Lucky it wasn’t a knockout final but if it was, it would be disastrous because he’s so important to us.”

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Near enough not good enough: Eade

May 23rd 2009 00:39
THE Western Bulldogs may have put in their best performance of the season on Friday night against Geelong at Etihad Stadium but near enough enough is not good enough according to coach Rodney Eade.

The Bulldogs were denied what would have been a fairytale win in Jason Akmeranis' 300th game when skipper Brad Johnson missed a set shot after the siren.

"We didn't come here to have an encouraging loss and push the top side who have belted everyone, we came here to win," Eade said.

"Honourable losses don't really count for anything on the scoreboard do they?"

"Playing a great shot in cricket and getting caught an inch off the ground doesn't mean you played a good shot, it means you're out."

Eade refused to blame Johnson for the loss and said it was his side's inability to play consistent football for the full four quarters which cost it victory.

"He was beating himself up a bit, he takes it personally but it's not just one act which wins or loses you the game," he said.

"I thought for the main tonight, in 120 minutes, 105 minutes of it was pretty hard (and) intense."

“Individually and as a team we worked extremely hard but probably a couple of 10 minutes bursts cost us.”

"I don't think we've got as many stars as other teams - what I'd call A-graders - but we are a pretty even side and we need a consistent effort across the board from every player and I think we got that in the most part tonight."

Eade also lamented his side's poor kicking for goal in the third term.

“They were 37 [points] up and we kicked 3.5 for the rest of the quarter, four of those were set shots,” he said.

“We’ve just got to be able to kick those. We [also] hit the post a few times [four] but you can’t change that.”

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Round nine preview: West Coast v Collingwood

May 22nd 2009 15:48
VENUE and TIME: Subiaco Oval, Saturday 23 May, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 35, West Coast 20, Collingwood 14, Draws 1

LAST TIME: Collingwood 27.11 (173) def West Coast 10.13 (73), Round 10 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: Collingwood has won five of its past seven against West Coast but none of those wins have come at Subiaco Oval.

FORM: West Coast had their chances to record their first away win in 18 months last weekend but their lack of composure in the dying stages proved to be costly as they went down to Sydney by five points in yet another classic contest. The Eagles occupy 10th place on the AFL ladder with a 3-5 win-loss record. Collingwood has been thumped to the tune of 88 and 53 points in its past two matches by St Kilda and Carlton. The Magpies have also won three of their first eight matches.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Eagles welcome back star midfielder Daniel Kerr from a groin injury. Brent Staker (hand) and youngster Luke Shuey (groin) are unavailable while Beau Waters is out for the season with a dislocated elbow. For the Magpies, number one ruckman Josh Fraser returns from a knee injury but Alan Didak (hamstring), Paul Medhurst (ankle), Anthony Rocca (knee) and Dale Thomas (knee) are on the sidelines. Key forward Travis Cloke will miss two to three weeks with a hamstring injury while Sean Rusling’s return to AFL football has been delayed after he suffered a fractured cheekbone in the VFL.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Simon Prestigiacomo vs. Quinten Lynch

Lynch was a busy contributor against the Swans, helping himself to 19 possessions and eight marks.

However, he failed to capitalise in front of goal, finishing the match with a wasteful 2.5.

The Eagles big man faces a tough night at the office with Prestigiacomo, who kept Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola goalless last weekend, to be his likely opponent.

Lynch will need to help West Coast apply early scoreboard pressure by making the most of his chances as he won’t get many shots on goal against Prestigiacomo who has been one of the most frugal defenders in the competition so far this season.

Adam Selwood vs. Scott Pendlebury

Pendlebury has been one of his side’s most consistent midfielders so far this season, averaging 29 disposals per game.

The impressive 21-year-old is damaging with his ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.

The Eagles will be keen to quell his influence in the middle as it will go a long way towards starving Collingwood’s forwards of quality supply.

Selwood is West Coast’s best stopper in the midfield and looms as the obvious candidate to go head-to-head with Pendlebury.

The 25-year-old will need to deny Pendlebury any time or space in which to dispose of the football cleanly and also test out the defensive side of his game by winning his fair share of the football at the stoppages and being an attacking midfielder.

Josh Fraser vs. Dean Cox

Cox continued his consistent start to the season with 22 possessions, 30 hit outs and two goals against Sydney.

The Eagles big man will go head to head with Fraser in what shapes as being a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

The Magpies will need Fraser to apply plenty of body pressure and also push forward at every available opportunity otherwise Cox will be able to dictate terms in the middle and provide his on-ball division with first use of the football.

If Fraser fails to at least break even in the ruck it is hard to see how the Collingwood midfield will win enough of the football to provide their depleted forward line with enough chances to kick a winning score.

Darren Glass vs. John Anthony

With Cloke, Rocca, Thomas, Medhurst and Didak still out of the side the onus will be on Anthony to have a big game otherwise Collingwood will struggle to kick a winning score.

However, his task won’t be an easy one as he will most likely be matched up by one of the best defenders in the competition in Glass.

In last weekend’s loss to Carlton the Magpies entered inside their forward 50 four more times than the Blues yet they finished the match with six fewer scoring shots.

Their forwards weren’t helped by their midfield who moved the football slowly into the forward line and often went wide.

If the likes of Anthony are going to have any hope of having an impact the Pies will need to be direct and move the football quickly otherwise they will be punished on the rebound by the long-kicking Eagles.

VERDICT: All three of West Coast’s wins have come at home this season and you would expect them to make it four victories at Subiaco Oval on Saturday night. Collingwood will battle hard all night but with five of their first-choice forwards unavailable they will struggle to translate their hard work around the ground onto the scoreboard. Eagles by 23 points.

WEST COAST v COLLINGWOOD
WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Adam Selwood
C: Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Brad Ebert, Josh Kennedy, Chris Masten
F: Mitch Brown, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Scott Selwood
I/C: Sam Butler, Adam Cockie, Ben McKinley, Mark Seaby
Emg: Adam Hunter, Brett Jones, Jamie McNamara

In: Kerr, Ebert
Out: Brett Jones, Jamie McNamara

COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Martin Clarke
HB: Nick Maxwell, Nathan Brown, Ben Reid
C: Alan Toovey, Steele Sidebottom, Shannon Cox
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Leigh Brown, Leon Davis
F: Tarkyn Lockyer, Cameron Wood, Heath Shaw
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: John Anthony, Tyson Goldsack, Ryan Cook, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: Jaxson Barham, Brad Dick, Dayne Beams

In: Fraser, Goldsack
Out: Dayne Beams, Anthony Corrie




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Round nine preview: Richmond v Essendon

May 22nd 2009 15:11
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Saturday May 23, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 184, Richmond 82, Essendon 98, Drawn 4

LAST TIME: Richmond 16.12 (108) def Essendon 15.14 (104), Round 16 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: Richmond has won six of its past seven against Essendon.

FORM: Richmond has lost its past three after suffering a heartbreaking three-point loss to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium last Sunday. The Tigers have won just one of their first eight matches. Essendon pushed an unbeaten St Kilda side all the way but their lack of finishing proved to be costly as they went down by 19 points. The Bombers have surprised many so far this season and currently boast a 4-4 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: Richmond will be without veteran midfielder Ben Cousins for a week after he broke his hand in the loss to the Power while ruckman Angus Graham (hamstring) will also miss the clash against the Dons. Alex Rance (fractured cheekbone), Kane Johnson (knee) and veteran Matthew Richardson (hamstring) remain on the sidelines. For the Bombers, ruckman David Hille is out for the season with a knee injury while Scott Gumbleton (back) is sidelined indefinitely. Mark McVeigh will play his second match in the VFL this weekend as he continues his return from an ankle injury while veteran defender Dustin Fletcher (leg) is at least another two weeks away. Jason Laycock (foot), Kyle Reimers (knee), Andrew Welsh (ankle) and Hayden Skipworth (hamstring) are also unavailable.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Daniel Jackson vs. Jobe Watson

Watson was among his side’s best in the loss to the Saints with a game-high 39 possessions - 26 of which came by hand.

The 24-year-old is damaging with his ability to win the football in close and use it cleanly by hand to find the likes of Andrew Lovett and Jason Winderlich in space.

If the Tigers are going to be any hope of recording just their second win of the season they will need to shut-down the Dons’ running game - a key part of doing that is limiting Watson’s influence in the middle.

Jackson, who is usually given the job of running with the opposition’s best midfielder, looms as the obvious candidate to tag Watson.

The Tigers will need Jackson to deny Watson any time or space at the stoppages and also try and hurt him going the other way.

Heath Hocking vs. Brett Deledio

The last time these two sides met in round 16 last year Deledio helped himself to 19 possessions, one goal, seven tackles and four inside 50’s in a performance that earned him the one Brownlow medal vote.

Last year’s best-and-fairest winner provides plenty of drive through the middle - he is second at the Tigers for inside 50’s and fourth for bounces.

The Bombers will be keen to shut-down his run and carry as Richmond’s forwards will struggle to receive enough quality supply without his influence.

Hocking was far from disgraced in his duel with St Kilda star Nick Dal Santo last weekend - Hocking racked up 27 possessions while Dal Santo helped himself to 23 disposals.

Expect Essendon coach Matthew Knights to give Hocking the task of tagging Deledio in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.

Hocking will need to apply relentless pressure all night otherwise Deledio will hurt the Bombers with his blistering pace and clean delivery of the football into forward line.

Kelvin Moore vs. Matthew Lloyd

Lloyd looms as the main danger man for Richmond given his recent record against the Tigers - he has booted 32 goals in his past seven matches against Terry Wallace’s men.

Moore lined up on Lloyd last season and kept him to just two goals in the round 16 clash.

Expect Moore to match-up on the Essendon skipper once again on Saturday night in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.

If Moore is going to have any hope of winning his battle with Lloyd he will need his midfield to deny the Bombers midfield any time or space otherwise they will break the lines and deliver the football lace out to Lloyd who is virtually unstoppable on the lead.

Henry Slattery vs. Nathan Brown

Brown made a solid return from injury last weekend with 18 possessions and two goals.

The 31-year-old will be better for the run and will need to be watched closely given that he helped himself to 26 disposals, 11 marks and three goals in the Tigers’ four-point win over Essendon in round 16 last year.

The former Bulldog is damaging with his ability to not only kick goals but also set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clever use of the football.

Slattery has matched up on dangerous mid-sized forwards in the past and will most likely be given first crack at Brown.

The 23-year-old will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters as Brown is still capable of turning a game on its head in the space of a quarter.

VERDICT: Richmond will head into this match with some confidence given their recent record against Essendon but it is highly unlikely they will prevail in the annual Dreamtime match. The Bombers are playing an exciting brand of football and have plenty of young players that have stepped up in 2009. They should be able to overcome a Tigers side that has failed to play four quarters of consistent football so far this season. Bombers by 29 points.

RICHMOND v ESSENDON
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Andrew Raines
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Mitch Morton, Nathan Brown
F: Adam Pattison, Kayne Pettifer, Robin Nahas
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Andrew Collins, Mark Coughlan, Matthew White, Will Thursfield
Emg: Daniel Connors, Jack Riewoldt, Adam Thomson

In: Pattison, Thursfield
Out: Ben Cousins (hand), Angus Graham (hamstring)

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

In: Jetta
Out: David Myers




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Round nine preview: Adelaide v Carlton

May 22nd 2009 14:43
VENUE and TIME: AAMI Stadium, Saturday 23 May, 3.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 26, Adelaide 12, Carlton 14

LAST TIME: Adelaide 13.16 (94) def. Carlton 12.14 (86), Round 18 at AAMI Stadium, 2008

RECENT HISTORY: Adelaide has won its past five against Carlton with three of those wins coming at AAMI Stadium.

FORM: Adelaide started brightly against Brisbane at the Gabba last weekend but faded badly in the second half, eventually going down by 36 points. The Crows have now lost their past three matches to slip to 12th place on the ladder with a 3-5 win-loss record. Carlton snapped a two-game losing streak with a 51-point demolition of an undermanned Collingwood side at the MCG last Sunday. The Blues have won four of their first eight matches.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Crows will be without star defender Nathan Bock for the third week in a row due to a hamstring injury while forwards Brett Burton and Trent Hentschel remain on the sidelines with knee injuries. For the Blues, Andrew Carrazzo (finger) is at least two to three weeks away while utility Andrew Walker (shoulder) and ruckman Robbie Warnock (foot) are sidelined indefinitely.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Ben Rutten vs. Brendan Fevola

Fevola has struggled in the past couple of weeks, booting just one goal after kicking eight against Hawthorn in round six.

The Blues spearhead will be keen to bounce back on Saturday and will need to be contained if Adelaide is going to snap a three-game losing streak.

Rutten had the better of his duel with Brisbane skipper Jonathan Brown last weekend and will be line up on Fevola in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

Fevola is at his damaging best when he is leading into space so the Crows will need to apply relentless pressure all over the ground otherwise the Blues will be able to deliver the football quickly and cleanly inside 50.

Nathan van Berlo vs. Chris Judd

Judd was instrumental in the win over the Magpies with a game-high 32 possessions, one goal and eight inside 50’s.

If the Crows are going to be any hope of containing a Carlton side that had 10 individual goal kickers last weekend they will need to shut-down Judd’s run and carry.

With Shirley not in the side Adelaide may opt to use van Berlo in a run with role as he has the tank to go with Judd.

The Crows will need van Berlo to deny the 2004 Brownlow medallist any time or space at the stoppages otherwise he will continually win the football at close quarters, break the lines and provide his forwards with plenty of quality supply.

He will also need to win his fair share of the football and force Judd to be accountable otherwise the former Eagles captain will run riot.

Jordan Russell vs. Andrew McLeod

McLeod has been well below his best in recent times but will be keen to fire in what will be a club record 313th AFL game.

The dual Norm Smith medallist always loves a big occasion and could well turn back the clock on Saturday.

Carlton will want to limit his impact on the contest as he is damaging with his creative run and ability to set up Adelaide’s attacking forays forward from the defensive half.

Russell has played the defensive half-forward role in the past and will most likely be given the task of negating McLeod.

The Blues will need Russell to provide a target up forward and also have an impact on the scoreboard in order to make the Crows veteran accountable.

Michael Jamison vs. Jason Porplyzia

Porplyzia continued his consistent start to the season against Brisbane, booting three goals to take his season tally to 20 from eight games.

The 24-year-old and impressive youngster Taylor Walker - who was held goalless against the Lions are the only players that are in double figures for goals for the Crows in 2009.

If Porplyzia fails to fire it is hard to see where the Crows will get enough goals from to overcome a Carlton side that has the third best attack in the AFL.

Despite standing at just 179cm Porplyzia is very good overhead, so the Blues will most likely go with Jamison who is capable of matching the classy Adelaide forward in the air and at ground level.

Jamison will need to pay close attention to Porplyzia all afternoon and not give him any time or space in which to work in as he can turn a game on its head with a burst of two to three goals.

VERDICT: This is a must-win match for Adelaide if they are going to keep in touch with the top eight. They will fancy their chances of securing a much-needed four premiership points given their dominance over Carlton in recent times but they have one of the least potent forward lines in the competition and will struggle to kick a big enough score to overcome a Blues outfit that has multiple options in attack. Blues by 16 points.

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

In: Maric
Out: Jared Petrenko

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

No change

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Round nine preview: North Melbourne v Fremantle

May 22nd 2009 14:25
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Saturday 23 May, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: North Melbourne 11, Fremantle 5

LAST TIME: Fremantle 18.12 (120) def North Melbourne 9.13 (67), Round 12 2008 at Subiaco Oval

RECENT HISTORY: Fremantle has won two of its past three against North Melbourne but both of those wins were at Subiaco Oval. The Dockers have won just seven of their 20 matches at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: North Melbourne was thumped to the tune of 70 points by a rampant Geelong side at Skilled Stadium last Saturday. The Kangaroos occupy 13th place on the AFL ladder with a 3-5 win-loss record. Fremantle’s run of three straight wins came to an end when they went down to Hawthorn at Subiaco Oval in round eight. The Dockers trail the Roos on percentage only.

MEDICAL ROOM: The Kangaroos welcome back midfielders Daniel Wells, Brady Rawlings and Jack Ziebell from injury but will be without small forward Matt Campbell (hamstring) and defenders Daniel Pratt (knee) and Lachlan Hansen (hamstring) for at least another one to two weeks. North skipper Brent Harvey won’t return before round 16 because of his dislocated elbow. For the Dockers, Des Headland will play his first game of the season after being sidelined with a calf injury. Chris Mayne (stress fractures), Brock O'Brien (quad) and small forward Hayden Ballantyne (wrist) are one to two weeks away. Rhys Palmer (knee) and Ryan Crowley (foot) are out for the season while Andrew Browne remains unavailable due to personal reasons.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Antoni Grover vs. David Hale

Hale booted 37 goals last season including 21 in the last six games but he has struggled to replicate that form in 2009, managing just 11 majors in eight games.

If the Kangaroos are going to be any hope of recording much-needed win they will need Hale to step up and impose himself on the contest.

Expect Grover, who kept Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead to just one goal last weekend, to be given first crack at Hale.

In last weekend’s loss to the Cats the Kangaroos nearly had as many handballs as kicks - they finished the match with 163 kicks and 159 handballs.

If Hale is going to have any chance of having an impact on Saturday he will need his midfield to be long and direct with their use of the football.

Brady Rawlings vs. Paul Hasleby

Hasleby has been his side’s most consistent midfielder so far this season, averaging 24 disposals per game.

The 27-year-old is an integral part of the Fremantle midfield with his ability to win the football at close quarters and use it cleanly by hand to find his teammates in space.

Limiting his influence at the stoppages will be a key for North if they are going to secure the four premiership points.

Expect the Kangaroos best midfield stopper in Rawlings to be given the task of tagging Hasleby in what shapes as being a pivotal match-up in determining the outcome of this match.

Rawlings will need to apply relentless pressure all day otherwise Hasleby will get his side going with his clean use of the football.

Garrick Ibbotson vs. Adam Simpson

Simpson has led from the front in 2009 with 26 possessions per game.

Like Hasleby, Simpson does his best work in close - he leads the Kangaroos for clearances and is ranked third for first possessions.

The Dockers will be keen to quell his influence as North Melbourne’s forwards will struggle to receive enough supply to kick a winning score without him having an impact in the middle.

Ibbotson, who has been given the job of running with the opposition’s best midfielder since Crowley went down with a foot injury against West Coast in round six, looms as the obvious candidate to be used in a run with role on Simpson.

The Fremantle youngster will need to deny Simpson any time or space at the stoppages and also win his fair share of the football and try and hurt the former North Melbourne skipper going the other way.

Michael Firrito vs. Matthew Pavlich

The last time these two sides met in round 12 last year Pavlich booted eight goals to inspire his side to a 53-point win.

The Fremantle skipper has hit top form after a sluggish start to the season and will need to be contained if the Roos are going to record their fourth win of the season.

Firrito has spent some time in the middle so far in 2009 and has the tank to run with Pavlich and also the ability to match him in the air if he pushes forward.

Expect the 25-year-old to line-up on Pavlich in what will be yet another pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

Firrito, who has averaged 16 possessions per game this season, will need to be proactive otherwise Pavlich will be able to dictate terms and dominate.

VERDICT: North Melbourne are at their best when their backs are to the wall while Fremantle has the uncanny ability to win games their not expected so this match could go either way. The Dockers have a poor record at Etihad Stadium but they should end a six-game losing streak at the venue with the brilliance of Pavlich set to be the difference in what shapes as being a hard-fought contest between two relatively evenly matched sides. Dockers by 14 points.

NORTH MELBOURNE v FREMANTLE
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Gavin Urquhart
C: Ben Ross, Jack Ziebell, Sam Wright
HF: Ben Warren, Drew Petrie, Leigh Harding
F: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Aaron Edwards
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Brady Rawlings, Daniel Wells
I/C: Sam Power, Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow, Todd Goldstein
Emg: Ed Lower, Daniel Harris, Matt Riggio

In: Wells, Ziebell, Rawlings
Out: Ed Lower, Daniel Harris, Matt Riggio

FREMANTLE
B: Roger Hayden, Chris Tarrant, Antoni Grover
HB: Nic Suban, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Stephen Hill, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Michael Johnson, Clayton Hinkley
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, David Mundy
I/C: Ryan Murphy, Matt de Boer, Des Headland, Scott Thornton
Emg: Greg Broughton, Andrew Foster, Kepler Bradley

In: Headland
Out: Greg Broughton

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Cats win thriller

May 22nd 2009 13:28
GEELONG has maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a two-point win over the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

The Cats got the early jump and answered every challenge thrown at them by the Bulldogs, eventually prevailing 17.14 (116) to 17.12 (114) in a contest worthy of a final.

Bulldogs skipper Brad Johnson had a chance to win the game for his side after the siren but his set shot from an acute angle sprayed wide.

Gary Ablett made a stunning return from injury with a game-high 38 possessions while Joel Selwood was just as influential with 32 disposals.

Joel Corey also won plenty of the football while Matthew Scarlett (27 touches) generated plenty of run from defence and kept Scott Welsh goalless.

Up forward, Steve Johnson starred with five goals while Mathew Stokes and Paul Chapman chimed in with four and three majors respectively.

For the Bulldogs, Johnson led from the front with 26 disposals, ten marks and four goals while Jason Akermanis was impressive in his 300th game with 25 possessions and four majors.

Geelong jumped out of the blocks, booting six of the first eight goals of the match to help set up a 20-point lead at quarter-time.

The Bulldogs responded with the first four goals of the second term, including two in four minutes from Johnson to hit the front for their first time in the match.

But the Cats steadied and went into half-time with a 13-point buffer after booting three of the last four goals of the first half.

Geelong broke the early open early in the third term, moving the football quickly through the middle of the ground as they slammed on four goals in a stunning eight-minute burst to blow the margin out to 37 points.

The Cats looked set to run away with the contest but with Akermanis providing a target up forward the Bulldogs were able to get back into the match and trailed by just 22 points at three-quarter-time.

They should have been closer but Adam Cooney, Welsh and Akermanis all missed gettable opportunities.

The Bulldogs came out firing in the final stanza and closed to within three points with just a few minutes remaining.

Geelong appeared to have secured the four premiership points when Travis Varcoe snapped truly at the 28-minute mark but the Dogs refused to give in and hit back through Liam Picken before Johnson marked near the boundary to set up a thrilling finish.

GEELONG: 6.4, 9.10, 14.12, 17.14 (116)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.2, 8.3, 11.8, 17.12 (114)
GOALS: Geelong: S. Johnson 5, Stokes 4, Chapman 3, Bartel, Gamble, Rooke, Selwood, T. Varcoe
Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 4, Johnson 4, Giansiracusa 2, Griffen 2, Cooney, Eagleton, Hill, Minson, Picken
BEST: Geelong: S. Johnson, Ablett, Selwood, Ling, Corey, Scarlett
Western Bulldogs: Akermanis, B.Johnson, Eagleton, Cross, Gilbee, Giansiracusa
INJURIES: Geelong: Gamble (concussion)
Western Bulldogs: TBC
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Chamberlain, Ryan
CROWD: 44,620 at Etihad Stadium

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AFL Teams: Round Nine

May 22nd 2009 07:20
2009 Toyota AFL Premiership Season

ROUND NINE (All times local)

Friday May 22
Geelong v Western Bulldogs at Docklands, 7.40pm AEST

Saturday May 23
North Melbourne v Fremantle at Docklands, 2.10pm AEST
Adelaide v Carlton at AAMI Stadium, 2.40pm ACST
West Coast v Collingwood at Subiaco Oval, 5.40pm AWST
Richmond v Essendon at the MCG, 7.45pm AEST

Sunday May 24
Sydney Swans v Port Adelaide at the SCG, 1.10pm AEST
St Kilda v Brisbane Lions at Docklands, 2.10pm AEST
Hawthorn v Melbourne at the MCG, 4.40pm AEST

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

In: Ablett, Chapman, Gamble, D. Johnson
Out: Shannon Byrnes (hamstring), Cameron Mooney (susp), Darren Milburn (ankle), Tom Lonergan

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

In: Callan, Higgins, Ward
Out: Robert Murphy (hamstring), Andrejs Everitt (foot), Dylan Addison (knee)

NORTH MELBOURNE v FREMANTLE
NORTH MELBOURNE
B: Michael Firrito, Scott Thompson, Josh Gibson
HB: Scott McMahon, Nathan Grima, Gavin Urquhart
C: Ben Ross, Jack Ziebell, Sam Wright
HF: Ben Warren, Drew Petrie, Leigh Harding
F: Lindsay Thomas, David Hale, Aaron Edwards
Foll: Hamish McIntosh, Brady Rawlings, Daniel Wells
I/C: Sam Power, Adam Simpson, Andrew Swallow, Todd Goldstein
Emg: Ed Lower, Daniel Harris, Matt Riggio

In: Wells, Ziebell, Rawlings
Out: Ed Lower, Daniel Harris, Matt Riggio

FREMANTLE
B: Roger Hayden, Chris Tarrant, Antoni Grover
HB: Nic Suban, Luke McPharlin, Steven Dodd
C: Stephen Hill, Paul Hasleby, Garrick Ibbotson
HF: Paul Duffield, Michael Johnson, Clayton Hinkley
F: Brett Peake, Matthew Pavlich, Dean Solomon
Foll: Aaron Sandilands, Byron Schammer, David Mundy
I/C: Ryan Murphy, Matt de Boer, Des Headland, Scott Thornton
Emg: Greg Broughton, Andrew Foster, Kepler Bradley

In: Headland
Out: Greg Broughton

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

In: Maric
Out: Jared Petrenko

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

No change

WEST COAST v COLLINGWOOD
WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Adam Selwood
C: Andrew Embley, Matt Priddis, Matt Rosa
HF: Brad Ebert, Josh Kennedy, Chris Masten
F: Mitch Brown, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Daniel Kerr, Scott Selwood
I/C: Sam Butler, Adam Cockie, Ben McKinley, Mark Seaby
Emg: Adam Hunter, Brett Jones, Jamie McNamara

In: Kerr, Ebert
Out: Brett Jones, Jamie McNamara

COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Martin Clarke
HB: Nick Maxwell, Nathan Brown, Ben Reid
C: Alan Toovey, Steele Sidebottom, Shannon Cox
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Leigh Brown, Leon Davis
F: Tarkyn Lockyer, Cameron Wood, Heath Shaw
Foll: Josh Fraser, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: John Anthony, Tyson Goldsack, Ryan Cook, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: Jaxson Barham, Brad Dick, Dayne Beams

In: Fraser, Goldsack
Out: Dayne Beams, Anthony Corrie

RICHMOND v ESSENDON
RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Andrew Raines
HB: Joel Bowden, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Mitch Morton, Nathan Brown
F: Adam Pattison, Kayne Pettifer, Robin Nahas
Foll: Troy Simmonds, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C: Andrew Collins, Mark Coughlan, Matthew White, Will Thursfield
Emg: Daniel Connors, Jack Riewoldt, Adam Thomson

In: Pattison, Thursfield
Out: Ben Cousins (hand), Angus Graham (hamstring)

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

In: Jetta
Out: David Myers

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

In: Malceski
Out: Brett Meredith

PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Steve Salopek, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Domenic Cassisi, Chad Cornes, Travis Boak
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, Matt Thomas
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Matt Westhoff, Marlon Motlop, Hamish Hartlett, Tom Logan
Emg: Josh Carr, David Rodan, Jason Davenport

In: M. Motlop, Salopek, M. Westhoff
Out: Jason Davenport, David Rodan, Nathan Krakouer (general soreness)

ST KILDA v BRISBANE LIONS
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Jason Blake, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, 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 (from): Robert Eddy, Raphael Clarke, Ben McEvoy, Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt, Steven King, Andrew McQualter

In: Eddy, R. Clarke, McEvoy
Out: -

BRISBANE LIONS
B: Ashley McGrath, Joel Macdonald, James Polkinghorne
HB: Sam Sheldon, Jared Brennan, Josh Drummond
C: Scott Harding, Simon Black, Daniel Rich
HF: Michael Rischitelli, Jonathan Brown, Justin Sherman
F: Cheynee Stiller, Daniel Bradshaw, Luke Power
Foll: Mitch Clark, Travis Johnstone, Jed Adcock
I/C (from): Jason Roe, Albert Proud, Aaron Cornelius, Matt Austin, Tim Notting, Pearce Hanley, Tom Collier

In: Roe, Collier, Cornelius, Notting, Hanley
Out: Daniel Merrett (ankle), Joel Patfull (jaw)

New: Aaron Cornelius (Tassie Mariners)

HAWTHORN v MELBOURNE
HAWTHORN
B: Brendan Whitecross, Thomas Murphy, Brent Guerra
HB: Beau Dowler, Campbell Brown, Grant Birchall
C: Jordan Lewis, Sam Mitchell, Beau Muston
HF: Mark Williams, Lance Franklin, Michael Osborne
F: Cyril Rioli, Jarryd Roughead, Garry Moss
Foll: Simon Taylor, Brad Sewell, Chance Bateman
I/C: Robert Campbell, Cameron Stokes, Ben McGlynn, Jarryd Morton
Emg: Stuart Dew, Brent Renouf, Travis Tuck

In: Muston, Stokes
Out: Stuart Dew, Travis Tuck

New: Beau Muston (Murray U18)

MELBOURNE
B: Matthew Whelan, Matthew Warnock, Jared Rivers
HB: James Frawley, Stefan Martin, Aaron Davey
C: Jack Grimes, Colin Sylvia, Brock McLean
HF: Cale Morton, Brad Miller, Russell Robertson
F: Brad Green, Matthew Bate, Cameron Bruce
Foll: Paul Johnson, Brent Moloney, James McDonald
I/C: Ricky Petterd, Addam Maric, Nathan Jones, Jamie Bennell
Emg: Mark Jamar, Kyle Cheney, Clint Bartram

In: Rivers, Frawley, Green, Bennell
Out: Lynden Dunn, Shane Valenti, Clint Bartram, Kyle Cheney
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Port to rest Krakeour

May 22nd 2009 06:50
PORT ADELAIDE playmaker Nathan Krakeour will miss Sunday's clash against Sydney at the SCG after coach Mark Williams decided to give him a rest.

Williams said Krakeour, who has played 14 matches in a row - including pre-season clashes - needed a break.

"He's just a bit stiff and sore so we don't think it's the right thing for him to be playing this week," he said.

Steven Salopek has recovered from a dislocated shoulder he suffered a fortnight ago and is expected to replace Krakeour.

Meanwhile, Port forward Brett Ebert is in doubt with a sore back.

"You saw us testing Brett Ebert there so we are not sure what will happen, we'll take Matthew Westhoff as well," Williams said.

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North trio right to play

May 22nd 2009 06:18
NORTH MELBOURNE has received a boost ahead of Saturday afternoon's clash against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium with Brady Rawlings, Daniel Wells and impressive youngster Jack Ziebell declared fit.

Rawlings and Wells were late withdrawals from last weekend's clash against Geelong with calf and hip injuries respectively while Ziebell missed with a minor thigh strain.

Speaking at Etihad Stadium following Friday's light session at Arden Street, Kangaroos coach Dean Laidley said the trio had done all that was required of them.

"They've jumped all the hurdles ... they've trained all week and got through so we're looking forward to having them back in the side," Laidley said.

"They all add different things - Brady's ability to play in the midfield and perhaps run with someone; Jack's ability to play forward or through the mid and Daniel's ball use is something we've missed at times this year."
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Wallace defends Newman

May 22nd 2009 03:13
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace has defended skipper Chris Newman after a tumultous week at the club.

There were reports on Tuesday that Wallace had been sacked as coach – which were later denied by the Tigers.

Wallace refused to comment on whether Newman had asked Wallace to step aside following the Tigers' heartbreaking three-point loss to Port Adelaide last weekend but he did dismiss suggestions of a rift with his captain.

“Look, I think Chris has been hung out to dry in all this,” Wallace said.

“I think that's outrageous – he's been asked to step down on the background of private conversations he's had with me, and I'm sitting here saying I've taken no offence to anything that Chris Newman's spoken to me about."

“I think Chris Newman's been unfairly tainted in this situation - very unfairly tainted in this whole situation."

“I expect my captain to come in and see me under any circumstance."

“All I can say to you is that in a private conversation we had on Monday, there wasn't any slamming of doors or anything like that, the final thing that happened was that we shook hands.”

Wallace also said he won't walk away from the job.

"I will do the job I am asked to do, until I am no longer asked to do it," he said.

"I am not going to break my commitment to Richmond."
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Round nine preview: Geelong v Western Bulldogs

May 21st 2009 14:28
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Friday May 22, 7.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 145, Geelong 89, Western Bulldogs 54, Draw 2

LAST TIME: Geelong 12.11 (83) def Western Bulldogs 7.12 (54), Preliminary Final 2008 at the MCG

RECENT HISTORY: Geelong has won four of its past five against the Western Bulldogs with two of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: Geelong maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a convincing 70-point win over North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium last Saturday. The Bulldogs backed up their win over Adelaide with a hard-fought seven-point victory over the much-improved Melbourne at the MCG last weekend. The Dogs currently occupy third place on the AFL ladder with a 5-3 win-loss record..

MEDICAL ROOM: The Cats welcome back stars Gary Ablett and Paul Chapman from groin and back injuries respectively. Shannon Byrnes (hamstring) and veteran defender Darren Milburn (ankle) will miss while ruckman Brad Ottens remains unavailable due to a knee injury sustained in round two against Richmond. Matthew Egan (foot), Josh Hunt (knee) and youngster Mitch Brown (broken leg) will miss the remainder of the season. For the Bulldogs, classy youngster Shaun Higgins returns from a groin injury. Ryan Hargraves (quad), Dylan Addison (knee) and Andrejs Everett (foot) are unavailable while forward Robert Murphy will miss at least two weeks with a hamstring injury.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Andrew Mackie vs. Jason Akermanis

Akermanis continued his recent run of good form against the Demons with 19 possessions and four goals - three of which came in the second term when his side was under the pump.


The three-time Brisbane premiership player will need to be watched closely in what will be his 300th game as he has a habit of performing well on the big stage.

Mackie is a mobile defender and will most likely be given first crack at the dangerous Dogs’ star.

The 24-year-old will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters as Akermanis has shown in the past fortnight that he is still capable of breaking a game wide open in the space of a quarter.

Expect Mackie, who racked up 29 possessions and booted two goals in the win over the Kangaroos, to run off Akermanis at every available opportunity and try and hurt him on the rebound.

Liam Picken vs. Joel Selwood

Selwood has been one of his side’s most consistent midfielders so far in 2009, averaging just under 30 possessions per game.

The impressive 20-year-old was among the Cats’ best against the Roos with 31 disposals - 18 of which came by hand.

If the Bulldogs are going to be any hope of containing Geelong’s multi-pronged attack they will need to shut-down their running game.

In order to do that they will need to quell the influence of the likes of Selwood who is damaging with his ability to win the football in close and dish it off by hand to find his teammates in space.

Picken has been given some big tagging roles so far this season and will most likely be given the task of running with Selwood on Friday night.

The Bulldogs will need Picken to employ a tight tag and deny Selwood any time or space at the stoppages otherwise he will punish the Dogs with his clean use of the football.

Cameron Ling vs. Adam Cooney

Cooney played a key role in the Dogs’ last win over the Cats in round one, 2007, helping himself to 29 disposals, two goals and four inside 50’s in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

The 2008 Brownlow medallist is damaging with his ability to break the lines and deliver the football inside 50.

Shutting down his run and carry will be a key for Geelong if they are going to keep the Bulldogs’ mid-sized forwards quiet.

Expect Ling to be given the task of tagging Cooney in what will be a pivotal duel in determining the outcome of this match.

Ling won’t give Cooney any time or space in which to work in and will also win his fair share of the football in order to make the classy 23-year-old accountable.

Don’t be surprised if Ling, who is good overhead and a reliable kick for goal, pushes forward at every available opportunity and tries to hurt Cooney on the scoreboard.

Dale Morris vs. Steve Johnson

Johnson failed to kick a goal against North but he was still influential, racking up 31 possessions and pumping the football inside 50 13 times.

The 25-year-old, who leads Geelong’s goal kicking with 21 majors, not only kick goals but also consistently sets up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his creative use of the football.

If the Bulldogs are going to record a season-defining win they will need to curtail the influence of Johnson who was among his side’s best the last time these two sides met during the home-and-away season with 24 disposals and three goals in round 16.

Morris is able to match Johnson in the air and at ground level and looms as the obvious candidate to line-up on the classy Geelong forward in what shapes as being an intriguing battle.

In Geelong’s two wins over the Bulldogs last season they entered inside their forward line 55 or more times.

If Morris is going to have any hope of containing Johnson he will need his midfield to suffocate the Cats’ run with relentless pressure and deny them use of the corridor otherwise the Geelong star will receive an endless supply of quality football.

VERDICT: The Western Bulldogs have won five of their eight games this season but all of those wins have come against sides that occupy the bottom five places on the AFL ladder. Friday night will show us how good Rodney Eade‘s men are in 2009. Geelong has conquered all comers even without their best player in Ablett who has missed the past two weeks and with him and Chapman back in the side they should have a touch too much class and depth through the middle for a Bulldogs side that is yet to prove it is the real deal this season. Cats by 21 points.

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

In: Ablett, Chapman, Gamble, D. Johnson
Out: Shannon Byrnes (hamstring), Cameron Mooney (susp), Darren Milburn (ankle), Tom Lonergan

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

In: Callan, Higgins, Ward
Out: Robert Murphy (hamstring), Andrejs Everitt (foot), Dylan Addison (knee)
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AFL inducts eight

May 21st 2009 12:40
THE AFL has inducted Chris Langford, Guy McKenna, Paul Salmon, Mark Bickley, Ken Hands, Bill Morris, Peter Carey and former chief executive Ross Oakley into the Australian Football Hall of Fame on Thursday night.

Langford was Hawthorn's full-back during a golden era for the club which stretched from the 1980s to the early 90s. The four-time All-Australian was a part of four premiership teams and played 303 games from 1983 to 1997.

McKenna played in West Coast's first two premierships in 1992 and 1994. He was a two-time best-and-farest winner and earned All-Australian honours on four occasions. The inaugural coach of the new Gold Coast Football Club finished his career in 2000 after playing 267 games.

Salmon played 324 games for Essendon and Hawthorn in 19 seasons and was a member of the Bombers' 1985 and 1993 premiership teams. He kicked 561 career goals, was a three-time All-Australian and won the Hawks' best-and-fairest award twice.

Bickley captained Adelaide to back-to-back premiershps in 1997 and 1998 and ended up playing 272 games for the Crows between 1991 and 2003.

Hands played in two premierships for Carlton before retiring in 1957 after booting 188 goals in 211 games. He won the 1953 best-and-fairest award and later coached the club for six seasons from 1959.

Morris, who won the 1948 Brownlow medal, was a three-time best-and-fairest winner for Richmond and captained the club for two seasons. He kicked 98 goals in 140 games.

Carey played 448 games for SANFL club Glenelg between 1971 and 1988 and finished his career with 521 goals and three premierships. He also was a three-time best-and-fairest winner and two-time All-Australian.

Meanwhile, Oakley oversaw the development of the national competition during his reign as chief exectuvie which stretched from 1986 to 1996.

West Coast, Brisbane Bears, Adelaide, Fremantle and Port Adelaide all entered the league and the merger between Brisbane and Fitzroy was confirmed in Oakley's final year in office.

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Lions slam Akermanis

May 21st 2009 03:33
BRISBANE has slammed former star Jason Akermanis for comments he made about former teammate Justin Leppitsch and Brisbane chairman Tony Kelly.

In a Herald Sun article published on Wednesday Akermanis claimed that Leppitsch snubbed his wedding in 2001 and encouraged teammate Mal Michael to do the same.

Akermanis claimed Leppitsch's motivation was because the current Lions assistant coach and a member with Akermanis of each of the Lions' AFL premierships from 2001-03 'didn't agree with my success'.

The 2001 Brownlow medallist also accused Leppitsch of being a 'divider'.

The Bulldogs veteran said that Kelly had a 'man crush' on Brisbane coach Michael Voss that was 'almost unhealthy'.

Lions chief exeuctive Michael Bowers said in a prepared that the comments were inappropriate and innacurate.

"As an AFL club we have always been very respectful of other participants in this competition; clubs, players, coaches - everyone; because we know first hand just how hard this competition is," Bowers said.

"It does no credit to the club or the individual concerned that they take potshots at the Brisbane Lions and our people."

"People may just dismiss these media comments, but for the Brisbane Lions it goes to the very core of who we are - it goes to our reputation and our people."

Brisbane has contacted the Western Bulldogs to express its disappointment and concern about Akermanis' 'disrespectful' comments.
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Shot fired at Cloke's home

May 21st 2009 03:14
COLLINGWOOD has confirmed police are investigating an incident in which the family home of forward Travis Cloke was shot at.

It was reported in the Herald Sun that a single shot was fired shattering an upstairs window at the Cloke family residence in North Ringwood while the 2007 Copeland Trophy winner was at home alone earlier this month.

A spiteful note reportedly slandering Cloke's sister was left in the mailbox and is being analysed by police.

Collingwood chief executive Gary Pert said in a prepared statement that Cloke was fit and well.

"Travis has given the club ongoing updates but has not required counselling support," Pert said.

"The club will continue to support the Cloke family as they deal with the appropriate authorities."


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McConnell appointed to western Sydney role

May 21st 2009 03:05
ALAN McConnell has been appointed as the Western Sydney high performance manager.

McConnell, who has been the AIS/AFL Academy high performance coach for the past five years, said he was looking forward to working with the new club which will join the AFL competition in 2012.

"I am excited about the challenges associated with the development of the new Western Sydney team and am honoured that the AFL has offered me this exciting opportunity," McConnell said.

"Working with the best young AFL talent as AIS/AFL high performance coach has challenged me to refine my own coaching skills to design, manage and deliver an elite AFL program."

"I look really looking forward to using my experience in a new context to create and develop this new young team."

A former assistant coach at Fitzroy and Geelong, McConnell has spent the past five years overseeing the development of the country’s brightest young footballers with the AIS/AFL Academy.

Recent graduates of the academy system under his guidance includes current AFL young guns Joel Selwood, Marc Murphy and Patrick Ryder.

AFL general manager of development David Matthews said McConnell has played a major role in talent development.

"Alan has significantly enhanced our talent and coaching programs in his national role," Matthew said.

"He has been an outstanding mentor to the players and the staff of the AIS/AFL Academy and he is respected throughout the industry both at development and AFL competition levels."

AFL (NSW/ACT) general manager Dale Holmes said McConnell understands both the challenges and opportunities that the market presents.

"That knowledge, coupled with his experience and expertise makes him well placed to develop the structure and strategies required for the talent base for the new club," Holmes said.

"Today's announcement further cements the AFL’s commitment towards Western Sydney and we can now begin to move forward in developing a second AFL club in Sydney."

"The National Under 16's Championships which will launch Blacktown Olympic Park on July 3 is the perfect platform for Alan to begin to identify the best young AFL talent which ultimately may be drafted into the new team."

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Bock to miss

May 21st 2009 02:54
ADELAIDE will be without defender Nathan Bock for the third week in a row due to a hamstring injury.

Bock, who sustained the injury a couple of weeks ago, was hoping to play against Carlton at AAMI Stadium on Saturday but only made a short appearance on the training track on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, midfielders Scott Thompson and Nathan van Berlo and forwards Kurt Tippett ad Trent Hentschel were other players that didn't complete some of the mid-week session.

A Crows spokesman said Thompson, who had hamstring problems earlier in the season, felt flat but completed training while Tippett has a sore quad but will be available to play.

Hentschel's knee is still a concern while van Berlo (general soreness) trained away from the group.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Adelaide Crows
   


Green to return

May 20th 2009 05:59
MELBOURNE utlity Brad Green will return for the clash against Hawthorn at the MCG on Sunday.

Demons coach Dean Bailey confirmed that Green, who has spent the past month of the sidelines with a broken jaw, will play against the Hawks.

Meanwhile, James Frawley and Jared Rivers who missed the seven-point loss to the Western Bulldogs last weekend with quad and ankle strains respectively will bolster a backline confronted with the task of containing a talent-laden Hawthorn forward line if they get through training on Thursday.


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Port receives funding

May 20th 2009 04:08
PORT ADELAIDE is well on its way to eradicating its debt of $5.1 million after the SANFL offered an immediate $2.5 million cash injection.

The fundng comes on top of the $1 million invested in December and a new AAMI Stadium deal involving Port and Adelaide which is expected to be finalised within three months.

SANFL Executive Commissioner Leigh Whicker said the Power had his organisation's full support.

"I think today signifies a giant step forward in the financial recovery of the Port Adelaide Football Club," Whicker said.

"We are not going to dwell on one year of (financial) disappointment. We are here today to look to the future. We are excited about that – it's about South Australian football and Port Adelaide is a very key component of that football industry in this state."

"There was no way the SANFL was going to let Port Adelaide go through these difficult times without assistance."

Port Adelaide president Brett Duncanson said the funds would be used to reduce debt and to 'begin strategically investing for growth'.

“This investment by the SANFL back into our business certainly eases the pressure on the club and importantly will allow us – when coupled with support from the AFL – to focus on delivering long-term growth,” Duncanson said.

Whicker said a working group was negotiating a stadium deal which would take into consideration issues such as signage, corporate facilities and the 'whole business' model at AAMI Stadium.

"We need to review it, the market is changing, we need to respond to that and we are certainly going to do that," he said.

Whicker also said the new deal would not hurt supporters.

"We want to keep the stadium affordable to all South Australians as it is at the moment and that's one of the advantages of owning your own home," he said.

"Prices will only go up in accordance with AFL increases."

Meanwhile Duncanson said improved crowds at the club's home matches and the efforts to cut costs with the SANFL were also yielding good results.

"We are pleased that our crowds are up 15 percent on last year when comparing like games," Duncanson said.

"If that trend continues, then combined with the efforts to cut costs it will substantially reduce our projected full-year stadium net loss under the current arrangement from the original budget estimate of $777,000 to somewhere closer to $400,000."

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Head injuries decreasing

May 20th 2009 03:18
THE AFL's annual injury survey on Wednesday has revealed the the lowest rate of head and neck injuries since the survey first began 17 years ago.

AFL football operations manager Adrian Anderson said the decrease in head and neck injuries was due to recent law changes to the game.

"The No.1 thing, the most pleasing thing, is to see head and neck injuries at an all-time low. There is no doubt that this is a direct result of introducing rules to protect players from head and neck injuries," Anderson said.

"The main one is the rule to protect players with their head down over the ball and the other one is to protect players from head-high bumps."

"Those two rules have been instrumental in making sure that we have the lowest rate of head and neck injuries we've ever had."

However, it wasn't all good news with shoulder injuries increasing while hamstring injuries remain by far the most common injury in the AFL and show no sign of decreasing.

Anderson said the league would conduct research into why shoulder injuries were increasing after this year's grand final but ruled out any further changes to bumping laws meaning the hip and shoulder will remain a key feature of the sport.

Meanwhile, hamstring injuries - which at an average of 6.6 injuries per club last season account for more than double the next most common injury (groin at 3.2).

Anderson said one area the AFL would look at to reduce hamstring injuries is the use of the interchange bench.

"We are looking at the rate of the interchange (rotations) in recent years and whether that is a contributing factor to the higher rates of soft tissue injuries we are seeing," he said.

But he said there are no plans at this stage to put a cap on the number of interchange movies allowed by each club.

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Merrett ruled out for up to a month

May 20th 2009 02:51
BRISBANE has suffered a major blow with full-back Daniel Merrett ruled out for up to four weeks with an ankle injury.

Merrett suffered the injury in the first quarter of the Lions' 36-point win over Adelaide at the Gabba last Saturday night.

The club had been hopeful that Merrett would be right to play against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium on Sunday but scans revealed ligament damage to his right ankle which will sideline him for up to a month.

Fellow defender Joel Patfull has undergone surgery on his broken jaw and is set to miss four to five weeks.

Meanwhile, midfielder Troy Selwood has been ruled out of the clash against the Saints with concussion after failing to satisfy the club's medicos of his fitness.

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Higgins set to return

May 19th 2009 06:33
THE Western Bulldogs look set to be bolstered by the return of Shaun Higgins for Friday night's blockbuster clash against Geelong at Etihad Stadium.

The classy youngster has missed the past two matches with a groin injury.

Higgins is likely to take the place of forward Robert Murphy who will miss at least the next two matches with a hamstring injury sustained in the win over Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.

Murphy is expected to be joined on the sidelines by Andrejs Everitt who has a foot injury.

Speaking after training on Tuesday, Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said their are doubts over the two best fits to replace Everitt - Dylan Addison who has a knee complaint and Ryan Hargrave who was a late withdrawal from the clash against the Demons with a quad strain.

"Shaun Higgins is available, but Ryan Hargrave, we're not quite sure," Eade said.

"He's just jogging laps out there, but we're reasonably confident that he'll be able to play."

"Dylan Addison's got a bit of a sore knee at this stage which I thought was a kick, but it wasn't a kick."

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


Riewoldt re-signs

May 19th 2009 04:25
ST KILDA skipper Nick Riewoldt has signed a new contract which will see him remain at the Saints until the end of 2013.

The four-year deal ends speculation linking Riewoldt - who is a Gold Coast native - to the new Gold Coast club.

Riewoldt said one of the main reasons he wanted to stay at the Saints was because he wanted to be remembered as a one-club player.

"Ever since the Gold Coast idea was floated and I was linked to it because I was from the Gold Coast it was something that I was almost forced to think about it through the media," Riewoldt said.

"And because I was always answering questions about it, it made me think long and hard about how I actually felt about it."

"Being a one-club player was something that the more I thought about was very important to me."

Riewoldt also said the friendships he has developed during his time at the club played a significant role in his decision to remain with the Saints.

“The most significant thing was the friendships I’ve developed at the football club. My teammates are my best mates,” he said.

“Kosi and I were drafted as 18 year olds together and spoke about playing our whole careers here together."

"I hope that is something we can both do."

“The year after that a lot of other young guys came in – Bally, Dal, Goose, X and Leigh. Hopefully we can all go through and play our entire careers together. That would be something pretty special.”

Saints chief executive Michael Nettlefold dismissed suggestions that the timing of Riewoldt's deal was designed to fend off any raid from Gold Coast.

Riewoldt has won four club best-and-fairest awards since being taken with the number one pick in the 2000 national draft.



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


Mooney accepts ban

May 19th 2009 03:29
GEELONG forward Cameron Mooney will miss Friday night's clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium after accepting a one-match ban for striking North Melbourne defender Scott Thompson.

The panel viewed the incident as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact, which equates to 125 demerit points and a one-match suspension.

If Mooney had a clean record he could have accepted the charge and received the 25 percent points discount which would then have allowed him to escape with a reprimand but because of his previous suspensions his tally rose to 175 points.

The 25 per cent discount for pleading guilty today still left Mooney with 131.25 points, still well above the 100 point cut-off for a one match ban.

Meanwhile, Melbourne's Lynden Dunn, Bulldog Adam Cooney, Sydney's Martin Mattner and Carlton's Eddie Betts have all accepted $1950 fine for making negligent contact with an umpire contact while Port utility Chad Cornes and Richmond's Daniel Jackson both accepted $950 fines for wrestling with each other.

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


Wallace to remain at Tigers

May 19th 2009 01:59
RICHMOND has confirmed that Terry Wallace will remain as coach of the club.

It was reported on Tuesday morning that Wallace had been sacked but Tigers football operations manager Craig Cameron dismissed suggestions that Wallace had been dumped as the club's coach only to then be reinstated.

"There was no point in time when Terry wasn't the coach of Richmond," Cameron said.

Cameron also said the club won't be swayed on making a decision on Wallace's future until its mid-season review no matter how intense the speculation becomes.

"There has been a lot of speculation about Terry's position and about our club over the last month but at no stage has our club altered from its course or its public position," he said.

"And that position is we have a process in place to review Terry's position (at mid year) and we haven't budged from that position."

Richmond captain Chris Newman didn't go into details about what went on in Tuesday's emergency meeting but said the players were still behind Wallace.

"I thought it was the right time, there were some things that had to come up and some things we had to raise," Newman said of Tuesday's meeting.

"We sit at 1-7 so we needed to sit down as a group and make sure everyone was on the same page and bring up where we are going wrong and what we need to do in the future."

Newman denied the players had been upset by Wallace's reaction to the heartbreaking three-point loss to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

"I have heard a bit about that speculation but he was sensational after the game," Newman said.

"His post match speech was really good and obviously he was pretty upset with the loss as we all were."

"But the meeting (on Tuesday) was about putting some specifics in place to help turn the season around."

Wallace began the season needing to guide the Tigers into the finals for the first time in his five seasons in charge in order to win a new contract.

But Richmond got their year off to the worst possible start when they were thumped to the tune of 83 points by Carlton in round one.

Since then the Tigers have won just one match - a 36-point win over North Melbourne in round five.

Wallace did not attend training on Tuesday as he was watching tapes of this week's opposition.

The Tigers clash with Essendon in Saturday night's Dreamtime match at the MCG.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Richmond Tigers
   


Geary earns nomination

May 19th 2009 00:36
ST KILDA utility Jarryn Geary has earned the round eight NAB Rising Star nomination for his 19-possession performance in the win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

Geary, who has played every game this season for the ladder leaders, has averaged 18 disposals and booted five goals.

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon said Geary is an extremely hard worker and has been a very consistent performer for the club this year.

"With continued hard work and dedication to all aspects of his game, we hope to see Jarryn's already promising development continue," Lyon said.

The 19-year-old, who was recruited from Eaglehawk Football Club with pick 58 in the 2007 rookie draft, made his AFL debut in round one last year and played 10 matches for the season.

Geary is St Kilda's first Rising Star nominee since Sam Gilbert in round 16, 2007.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Mooney hit with one-match suspension

May 18th 2009 08:09
GEELONG forward Cameron Mooney has been hit with a one-match suspension by the AFL match review panel for striking North Melbourne's Scott Thompson.

The panel viewed the incident as reckless conduct, low impact and high contact, which equates to 125 points and a one-match ban.

If Mooney had a clean record he could have accepted the charge and received the 25 percent points discount which would then have allowed him to escape with a reprimand but because of his previous suspensions his tally rose to 175 points.

Therefore, even if Mooney accepts the charge he is still facing 131.25 points with discount, meaning he would miss Friday night's clash against the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.

Mooney did receive some good news with the panel clearing him over a second quarter clash with Kangaroos small forward Lindsay Thomas.

In other tribunal news, four players were booked for making negligent contact with an umpire.

Bulldogs midfielder Adam Cooney, in-form Carlton goalsneak Eddie Betts, Melbourne's Lynden Dunn and Sydney's Martin Mattner can all accept $1950 fines while Richmond's Daniel Jackson and Port Adelaide utility Chad Cornes were each fined $900 for wrestling each other.

Meanwhile, the match day report laid against Essendon's Alwyn Davey for engaging in rough conduct against St Kilda midfielder Nick Dal Santo was thrown out after the panel ruled that Davey had tried to lessen the impact and as a result only brushed Dal Santo high with negligible impact.

The panel also took no action over an incident involving Collingwood skipper Nick Maxwell Carlton youngster Mitch Robinson at the MCG on Sunday.

Robinson was on the receiving end of high contact and then hit his head on the ground following a marking contest.

It was the view of the panel that Maxwell had made a legitimate attempt to spoil and kept his eyes on the ball at all times before just missing the ball.

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Cousins out with broken hand

May 18th 2009 07:02
RICHMOND midfielder Ben Cousins' injury-plagued start to the season has continued after he suffered a broken hand during the Tigers' heartbreaking three-point loss to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

It was only Cousins' second game back from a serious hamstring injury sustained in round one against Carlton.

The former West Coast skipper will undergo surgery late on Monday to repair a spiral fracture in the metacarpal bone of his left hand.

Richmond football operations manager Ross Monaghan said the club was hopeful that Cousins would miss just the one match.
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We lacked composure: Wallace

May 17th 2009 11:49
RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace said his side lacked composure during the dying minutes of the heartbreaking loss to Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday.

The Tigers led by nine points after Robin Nahas kicked his fifth goal at the 25-minute mark of the final term but they conceded the last two majors of the match to go down by three points.

Wallace said his side made unnecessary mistakes which eventually cost them the four premiership points.

"You get to a stage in the game where all of a sudden you are 15 odd points in front with a few minutes and your will to want to win versus your logic to do the right things, one can get in the way of the other and I really genuinely believe that's the case," Wallace said.

"You are just throwing yourselves into situations without actually thinking about what you are doing. We allowed them two duck-out the back goals which in this style of football are just gifting opposition goals."

"We had a minute or so to play and we said all we want to do is keep possession of the footy, we had blokes behind the ball, you could've gone anywhere on the ground you wanted to but we didn't keep our cool and we gave them back the opportunity to win the game."

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


Injuries no excuse for Pies

May 17th 2009 11:33
COLLINGWOOD coach Mick Malthouse admitted his side should have performed better against arch-rivals Carlton at the MCG on Sunday despite missing five of its best forwards due to injury.

In the 51-point loss to the Blues the Magpies managed to kick just 7.11 (53) - their lowest against Carlton since 1966.

It was the first time since 1994 that the Pies had kicked two scores of below 55 points in successive weeks after kicking just 5.10 (40) against St Kilda last week.

The Pies were without Travis Cloke, Anthony Rocca, Dale Thomas, Alan Didak and late withdrawal Paul Medhurst but Malthouse believed his team under-performed.

"You are dealt a hand and you play with that hand," Malthouse said.

"I did (think we would be competitive with so many forwards missing) and I still think we can."

Malthouse said the Magpies let themselves down with their slow movement of the football.

"We went forward more than the opposition (45 entries to 41 overall) but they were quicker into their forward line and we were slow into our forward and sometimes that has got to do with the way we moved the ball," he said.

Malthouse admitted his players' confidence dropped after the Blues kicked five goals unanswered goals in the opening stanza but said at least his side did not fall apart despite the poor start.

"We just didn’t have the confidence to run it (the ball)."

"When we did we looked okay but it was infrequent."

"We played a good side that got away to a very good start and we didn't really put enough pressure on them in the first quarter and from there on we were on the back foot."

"At least they battled it out and tried to do the things we would like to see people doing."

"They tried their guts out, which on the scoreboard doesn’t show that because we were outscored every quarter but I don’t think it was through lack of effort."

Meanwhile, Malthouse defended under-pressure recruit Leigh Brown who was the subject of Bronx cheers from some frustrated Magpies fans when he took a mark in the final term.

The 27-year-old, who had stints with Fremantle and North Melbourne, had just five touches for the day and four of them resulted in turnovers.

After seven matches this season, Brown is averaging just nine disposals per game.

However, Matlhouse described Brown's form as 'fantastic' and said his versatility was a major asset.

"Brown has been fantastic for us. He's a competitor, he helps out in the ruck, he can go forward if we lose our forwards and he can go back if we lose our backs," he said.

Malthouse also praised veteran defender Simon Prestigiacomo who kept Blues spearhead Brendan Fevola goalless.

"I don't like individualising but he was terrific," Malthouse said of Prestigiacomo.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Collingwood Magpies
   


Saints too good for brave Bombers

May 17th 2009 10:38
ST KILDA has maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a 19-point win over Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.

The Saints broke the game open in the first term and eventually prevailed 13.12 (90) to 10.11 (71) in a hard-fought contest.

The Bombers more than matched the ladder leaders in the final three terms and threatened to run over the top of St Kilda several times but like all good teams do, the Saints continually responded and held on for their third straight win over the Dons.

Lenny Hayes was influential in close with a team-high 33 possessions and one goal. He was well supported by Leigh Montagna (28 disposals) and Brendon Goddard (27 touches).

Nick Dal Santo also won plenty of the football while Clinton Jones kept Essendon midfielder Brent Stanton to just 13 possessions.

Justin Koschitzke returned to form with four goals while skipper Nick Riewoldt chimed in with three majors.

For the Bombers, Jobe Watson (39 possessions) got his side going with his work at the stoppages while Andrew Lovett generated plenty of run with 25 disposals.

Matthew Lloyd and Jay Neagle were Essendon’s only multiple goal kickers with three apiece.

Essendon kicked the first goal of the match through Neagle after just three minutes of play but the rest of the term belonged to the Saints.

They suffocated the Bombers’ run with relentless pressure and moved the football quickly through the middle of the ground as they slammed on seven of the last seven goals of the term to open up a 28-point lead at quarter-time.

The Dons got themselves back into the contest with three of the first four goals of the second term but a late goal from St Kilda youngster Jaryn Geary allowed the Saints to go into half-time with a 25-point buffer.

Trailing by 23 points after an even third term, the Bombers had their chances in the final stanza to pull off a come-from-behind win but their lack of finishing proved to be costly.

St Kilda will now face Brisbane at Etihad Stadium on Sunday afternoon while Essendon will clash with Richmond in the annual Dreamtime match at the MCG on Saturday night.

ST KILDA: 6.5, 8.8, 11.11, 13.12 (90)
ESSENDON: 2.1, 5.1, 8.6, 10.11 (71)
GOALS: St Kilda: Koschitzke 4, Riewoldt 3, Ball, Geary, Gram, Hayes, McQualter, Milne
Essendon: Lloyd 3, Neagle 3, Dempsey, Myers, H. Slattery, Winderlich
BEST: St Kilda: Jones, Hayes, Koschitzke, Goddard, Dal Santo, Fisher
Essendon: Lovett, Watson, Dempsey, Davey, Pears, Dyson
INJURIES: St Kilda: TBC
Essendon: TBC
REPORTS: Davey (Essendon) by umpire McBurney for charging Dal Santo (St Kilda) in the second quarter
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: McBurney, Chamberlain, Pannell
CROWD: 45,594 at Etihad Stadium

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


Blues devour Pies

May 17th 2009 07:29
CARLTON has snapped a two-game losing streak with a 51-point demolition of an injury-depleted Collingwood side at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

The Blues got the early jump and were never challenged as they cruised to a convincing 16.8 (104) to 7.11 (53) win in front of a crowd of 82,834.

The attendance was the biggest home-and-away crowd for a match between these sides since 1992.

It was the first time since 1994 that the Pies had kicked two scores of below 55 points in successive weeks after kicking just 5.10 (40) against St Kilda last week

The win sees Carlton move back into the top eight with a 4-4 win-loss record while the Magpies have now lost their past two to slip to 11th place with just three wins from their first eight matches.

Carlton skipper Chris Judd led from the front with a game-high 32 possessions and one goal while Kade Simpson, Bryce Gibbs and Marc Murphy also won plenty of the football.

The Blues had 10 individual goal kickers for the match - Eddie Betts the most effective with four while Jarrad Waite chimed in with three.

For the Magpies, Simon Prestigiacomo kept Carlton spearhead Brendan Fevola goalless while Scott Pendlebury and Dane Swan tried hard all day and finished with a team-high 30 possessions apiece.

Waite got his side off to flyer, booting the first two goals of the match in the opening six minutes.

Carlton controlled the corridor in the opening stanza and added a further three goals to open up a 27-point lead at quarter-time.

The Magpies stemmed the flow of goals in the second term but they only managed one of their own which came through Ben Reid at the 15-minute mark.

Collingwood entered inside their forward 50 three more times than Carlton in the first half but their inability to capitalise in front of goal proved to be costly as the Blues went into half-time with a commanding 32-point lead.

Goals from Shaun Hampson and Judd saw the margin blow out to more than seven goals before the Magpies hit back through Tarkyn Lockyer and Leon Davis.

Any hopes of second half fight back from the Pies was quashed by Carlton who added the last two goals of the term to go into three-quarter time with a match-winning 45-point lead.

It was the Betts show in the final stanza - the lively small forward booting three of his side’s five goals for the quarter to cap off an impressive performance by the Blues.

COLLINGWOOD: 0.4, 1.7, 3.9, 7.11 (53)
CARLTON: 5.1, 7.3, 11.6, 16.8 (104)

GOALS: Collingwood: Anthony 2, Lockyer 2, Davis, Reid, Beams
Carlton: Betts 4, Waite 3, Murphy 2, Judd, Kreuzer, Yarran, Austin, Hampson, Stevens, Robinson
BEST: Collingwood: Prestigiacomo, Pendlebury, Lockyer, Swan
Carlton: Judd, Murphy, Gibbs, Simpson, Jamison, Waite, Betts, Thornton
INJURIES: Collingwood: Cook (leg)
Carlton: Nil
UMPIRES: James, Grun, Ryan
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Collingwood: Medhurst (ankle) replaced in selected side by Toovey
CROWD: 82,834 at MCG

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


Tredrea inspired Power sink Tigers

May 17th 2009 06:45
WARREN Tredrea has inspired Port Adelaide to a thrilling three-point win over Richmond in a high quality contest at AAMI Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The former Port skipper booted seven goals to help lift his side to a 14.18 (102) to 15.9 (99) victory over the brave Tigers.

Tredrea booted the sealer and also took a match-saving mark in the dying stages when Richmond made its last foray forward.

The results sees the Power move to fourth place on the ladder with a 5-3 win-loss record while the Tigers are languishing in second last spot with just one win from their first eight matches.

Peter Burgoyne was a busy contributor in the middle with a team-high 26 possessions. He was well supported by Travis Boak, Danyle Pearce and skipper Domenic Cassisi who racked up 20-plus disposals.

For the Tigers, Shane Tuck was influential in close with a game-high 31 touches while Mark Coughlan continued his impressive return from injury with 28 possessions.

Ben Cousins helped get his side back into the contest in the second half and finished with 24 disposals while Robin Nahas booted five goals.

Tredrea was simply unstoppable in the opening stanza, receiving plenty of quality supply as he booted 4.3 for the quarter.

His efforts were almost matched by Nahas who booted three opportunistic goals to get his side to within nine points at quarter-time.

The Tigers won more of the football and went inside their forward 50 more times than Port in the second term but failed to capitalise.

They were made to pay with Brett Ebert kicking a late goal to give Port an 18-point lead at half-time.

The contest appeared to be over when the margin blew out to 31 points but the Tigers lifted their rating and hit back with four unanswered goals to reduce the deficit to just seven points.

Tredrea’s sixth gave the Power some breathing space but Richmond was dominating the clearances and responded with majors from Nahas, Mitch Morton and Nathan Brown to open up a four-point lead at three-quarter time.

Morton ended a 10-minute goal scoring drought with a brilliant snap from the boundary in the final stanza and when Trent Cotchin kicked truly the margin was out to 16 points.

Richmond looked set to cause a major upset but the Power hit back through Boak and Chad Cornes.

Troy Chaplin had a chance to put his side in front but he missed from close range and when Nahas kicked a clever goal the Tigers appeared to have secured just their second of the season.

But some late heroics from Tredrea ensured the Power came away with a valuable four premiership points.

PORT ADELAIDE: 5.4, 7.8, 10.13, 14.18 (102)
RICHMOND: 4.1,5.2, 12.5, 15.9 (99)
GOALS: PORT: Tredrea 7, Gray, Pearce, Ebert, Cassisi, Boak, C.Cornes, Motlop
RICHMOND: Nahas 5, Brown 2, Morton 2, Simmonds, Foley, Tambling, Pettifer, Collins, Cotchin
BEST: PORT: Tredrea, Boak, P.Burgoyne, Cassisi, Pearce, Surjan, Ebert
RICHMOND: Tuck, Cousins, Coughlan, Brown, Jackson, Pettifer
INJURIES: PORT: TBC
RICHMOND: TBC
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Meredith, Avon, Keating
CROWD: 22,034 at the AAMI STADIUM
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Port Adelaide Power
   


Medhurst out

May 17th 2009 04:05
COLLINGWOOD has suffered a massive blow ahead of Sunday's clash against arch-rivals Carlton at the MCG with star forward Paul Medhurst a late withdrawal due to the ankle injury that also sidelined him against St Kilda last week.

Medhurst was replaced in the Magpies' side by Alan Toovey, who had initially been dropped to make way for Medhurst's return.

In some good news for the Pies, small forward Leon Davis and midfielder Dane Swan were cleared to play on Sunday after shrugging off injury concerns.

The Blues also made a late change with Steven Browne coming in for the injured Simon Wiggins.
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Injury blow for Rusling

May 17th 2009 03:26
COLLINGWOOD forward Sean Rusling has suffered another setback in his return to AFL football, fracturing his cheekbone while playing for the Magpies VFL team on Saturday.

Rusling sustained the injury during a heavy collision late in the match, according to the club's website.

Scans on Monday will determine the extent of the injury.

It is a bitter blow for the injury prone 22-year-old who was playing his first match since recovering from his fourth shoulder operation in as many years.


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


Patfull to miss up to four weeks

May 17th 2009 01:25
BRISBANE defender Joel Patfull will miss up to a month of football with a broken jaw.

Patfull suffered the injury during the Lions' 36-point win over Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The 24-year-old's absence will be felt as soon as next week when the Lions travel to Melbourne to take on a St Kilda side that boasts plenty of firepower up forward.

Meanwhile, Brisbane coach Michael Voss said he expected full-back Daniel Merrett to face the Saints at Etihad Stadium next Sunday despite going off with an ankle injury.
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Worsfold defends MacKenzie

May 17th 2009 01:13
WEST COAST coach John Worsfold has refused to lay the blame for his side's heartbreaking five-point loss to Sydney at ANZ Stadium on promising young defender Eric MacKenzie.

MacKenzie's late blunder in defence led to Kieren Jack's match-winning goal on Saturday night.

Speaking at the post match press conference, Worsfold said he was pleased with MacKenzie's progression and said that such errors were a part of having a young side.

"I thought Eric played a very good game and it was a good effort for him to get up for this game and his progression as a young key defender for us is outstanding," Worsfold said.

"So we'll wear the fact that young players do make errors."

Worsfold expressed his disappointment at letting a season-defining win slip but praised his side's effort.

"(It was) a disappointing game to lose, we were behind most of the night I think but the boys never gave up," he said.

"It's disappointing that late in the third quarter they kicked a couple of easy goals from errors but the effort in the last quarter to want to try and win the game was outstanding."

The Eagles have won just three of their first eight games but Worsfold is adamant his side isn't out of the finals race.

"We don't give up mate, we're going to keep fighting," he said.



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Round eight preview: St Kilda v Essendon

May 16th 2009 15:40
VENUE and TIME: Etihad Stadium, Sunday May 17, 4.40pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 200, St Kilda 62, Essendon 134, Draw 4

LAST TIME: St Kilda 21.21 (147) def Essendon 5.9 (39), Round 22 2008 at Etihad Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: St Kilda has won three of its past four against Essendon with two of those wins coming at Etihad Stadium.

FORM: St Kilda maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a convincing victory over Collingwood at Etihad Stadium last Monday night. The 88-point win was their fourth in excess of 10 goals this season. Essendon caused one of the biggest upsets of 2009 so far, downing reigning premiers Hawthorn by 44 points. The Bombers have won four of their first seven matches.

MEDICAL ROOM: St Kilda welcomes back ruckman Steven King from a hamstring injury while defender Max Hudghton made his return from a calf injury via the VFL. For the Bombers, Hayden Skipworth will miss at least another week with a hamstring injury while veteran defender Dustin Fletcher (ankle) is out for another three weeks. Andrew Welsh (ankle) and Scott Gumbleton (back) are unavailable while ruckman David Hille (knee) is out for the remainder of the season. The Dons are unsure how many matches midfielder Mark McVeigh will miss after aggravating a pre-season ankle injury in round four.

Cale Hooker vs. Nick Riewoldt

Riewoldt continued his brilliant form with 17 possessions, 11 marks and five goals against the Magpies.

The last time these two sides met in round 22 last year Riewoldt was influential with 21 disposals, 11 marks and 4.5.

If the Bombers are going to claim their fourth major scalp of the season they will need to quell the influence of Riewoldt who is currently in All-Australian form.

Hooker kept Hawthorn forward Jarryd Roughead to just two goals last weekend and looms as the obvious candidate to match-up on the Saints skipper.

In the win over the Hawks the Bombers laid 65 tackles - they will need to apply the same relentless pressure on Sunday otherwise Riewoldt will continually receive the football lace out.

Clinton Jones vs. Jobe Watson

Watson has been his side’s most consistent midfielder so far this season, averaging 27 disposals per game.

The 24-year-old is damaging with his ability to win the football at close quarters and use it cleanly by hand to find the likes of Brent Stanton, Andrew Lovett and Jason Winderlich in space.

If the Saints are going to shut-down Essendon’s running game they will need to prevent Watson from having an impact at the stoppages.

Jones has been getting the job on the opposition’s best midfielder so far this season and will most likely be given the task of running with Watson.

The Saints will need Jones to deny Watson any time or space at the stoppages and also make him accountable by winning his fair share of the football.

Heath Hocking vs. Nick Dal Santo

Dal Santo played a key role in the win over the Magpies, helping himself to a game-high 38 possessions and four inside 50’s

If the Dons are going to be any hope of containing St Kilda’s potent forward line they will need to curb the influence of Dal Santo who is damaging with his ability to set up scoring opportunities for his teammates with his clean use of the football.

Hocking has been given some big tagging roles so far this season and will most likely be given the unenviable task of running with the classy St Kilda midfielder.

The 21-year-old, who is ranked second at the Bombers for tackles per game, will need to apply relentless pressure all afternoon otherwise Dal Santo will cut the Bombers to shreds with his sublime skills.

Zac Dawson vs. Matthew Lloyd

Lloyd was among his side’s best against Hawthorn with 19 possessions, three goals and a career-best 15 marks.

The Bombers will need their skipper to fire if they are going to have any chance of overcoming a St Kilda outfit that is the second most attacking side in the competition.

Dawson continued his impressive start to his career at the Saints against the Magpies, restricting Collingwood veteran Anthony Rocca to just one goal.

Expect the former Hawk to be given first crack at Lloyd in what shapes as being a pivotal duel.

The Bombers will need to break the lines and get the football quickly into the forward line to give Lloyd the best chance of having an impact otherwise the Saints will be able to push numbers back and continually rebound the football out of defensive 50.

VERDICT: Essendon has surprised many people so far this season but it is highly unlikely that the Bombers will cause another major upset on Sunday as St Kilda is a well-drilled side that will shut-down the Dons' running game with their pressure skills. Expect the class of the likes of Lenny Hayes, Leigh Montagna and Dal Santo to come to the fore as the match wears on. Saints by 38 points.

ST KILDA v ESSENDON
ST KILDA
B: Farren Ray, Jason Blake, Zac Dawson
HB: Steven Baker, 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: Andrew McQualter, Jarryn Geary, James Gwilt, Steven King
Emg: Ben McEvoy, David Armitage, Raphael Clarke

In: King
Out: Ben McEvoy

ESSENDON
B: Heath Hocking, Tayte Pears, Henry Slattery
HB: Courtenay Dempsey, Cale Hooker, Adam McPhee
C: David Zaharakis, Brent Stanton, Jason Winderlich
HF: Angus Monfries, Nathan Lovett-Murray, Sam Lonergan
F: Matthew Lloyd, Jay Neagle, Alwyn Davey
Foll: Patrick Ryder, Jobe Watson, Andrew Lovett
I/C: Bachar Houli, Tom Bellchambers, Ricky Dyson, David Myers
Emg: Jay Nash, Tyson Slattery, Leroy Jetta

No change
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, St Kilda Saints
   


Round eight preview: Collingwood v Carlton

May 16th 2009 14:59
VENUE and TIME: MCG, Sunday 17 May, 2.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 237: Collingwood 111, Carlton 122, Drawn 4

LAST TIME: Carlton 17.17 (119) d Collingwood 12.17 (89) at the MCG, Round 12, 2008

RECENT HISTORY: Collingwood has won four of its past six against Carlton but the Blues have won the past two.

FORM: Collingwood was thumped to the tune of 88 points by a red-hot St Kilda side in a match in which they were kept to their lowest ever score - 5.10 (40) - during Mick Malthouse’s time as coach at the club. The Magpies have won three of their first seven matches. Carlton has lost its past two to Hawthorn and Fremantle and is one of six teams with three wins.

MEDICAL ROOM: Collingwood welcomes back small forwards Leon Davis and Paul Medhurst who were late withdrawals last week with an abdominal strain and ankle injury respectively. Travis Cloke (hamstring) will be out for two weeks while number one ruckman Josh Fraser will also miss after suffering a posterior cruciate ligament injury against the Saints. Anthony Rocca and Dale Thomas are out with groin and knee injuries respectively while Alan Didak remains unavailable due to a hamstring injury. For the Blues, Andrew Carrazzo is out with a hamstring injury while Shaun Grigg (ankle) is also on the sidelines. Andrew Walker (shoulder) an ruckman Robbie Warnock (foot) are sidelined indefinitely.

Simon Prestigiacomo vs. Brendan Fevola

Fevola managed just one goal against Fremantle last weekend and will be keen to bounce back with a big performance on Sunday.

The Blues spearhead looms as the main danger man for Collingwood given his record against the Magpies in recent times - he has booted 25 goals in his past four matches against Mick Malthouse’s men.

Prestigiacomo, who missed the two meetings between these two sides last year, will most likely be given first crack at Fevola in what shapes as being a crucial match-up in determining the outcome of this match.

If the Magpies are going to keep Fevola quiet they will need to apply relentless pressure all day and deny Carlton the use of the corridor otherwise their classy on-ball division will run riot.

Expect the Pies to use Heath Shaw as a loose man in defence to clog up the space Fevola leads into.

Bryce Gibbs vs. Scott Pendlebury

Pendelbury has been among his side’s best so far this season, averaging 29 disposals per game.

The impressive 21-year-old is damaging with his ability to use the football cleanly and set up scoring opportunities for his teammates.

If the Blues are going to contain a Collingwood forward line that doesn’t rely on one player they will need to quell the influence of Pendlebury.

Gibbs has been used in run with roles during the past and will most likely be given the task of running with Pendlebury.

The Blues youngster, who racked up 31 disposals in the loss to the Dockers, will need to deny Pendelbury any time or space in which to dispose of the football cleanly and also push forward at every available opportunity and hurt him going the other way.

Sharrod Wellingham vs. Chris Judd

The last time these two sides met in round 12 last year Judd was influential with 25 possessions and six inside 50’s.

Shutting down the Carlton skipper’s run and carry through the middle will be a key for the Magpies if they are going to keep Fevola and co. quiet.

Wellingham was among his side’s best in the loss to the Saints with 20 disposals and two goals.

The 20-year-old made a name for himself tagging Geelong star Gary Ablett last season and could be will be given the task of negating Judd on Sunday.

While it is vital for the Pies that Wellingham doesn’t give Judd any time or space at the stoppages he also needs to be proactive and win his fair share of the football otherwise the 2004 Brownlow medallist will be able to dictate terms and dominate.

Michael Jamison vs. Paul Medhurst

With Cloke and Rocca out of the side the Magpies will need someone like Medhurst to have a big game if they are going to be any chance of securing a much-needed win.

Medhurst was his side’s most productive forward in the round 12 clash last year with 21 disposals, 11 marks and four goals.

The Pies will need a similar performance from him on Sunday if they are going to maintain their recent dominance over the Blues.

Jamison kept Medhurst to just one goal in round four last year and will most likely be given the job on him once again.

Medhurst can turn a game on its head with a quick two to three goal burst so Jamison will need to be switched on defensively all day and not give him any time or space in which to work his magic.

VERDICT: The last four clashes between these two sides have been decided by no more than five goals and you would expect it to be relatively close again on Sunday given that both teams desperately need to start stringing wins together if they are going to be any chance of challenging for a top four berth. Carlton has had two days more rest than Collingwood and should have too much run for a depleted Magpies outfit. Expect Fevola to fire on the big stage. Blues by 23 points.

COLLINGWOOD v CARLTON
COLLINGWOOD
B: Harry O’Brien, Simon Prestigiacomo, Martin Clarke
HB: Nick Maxwell, Nathan Brown, Ben Reid
C: Anthony Corrie, Steele Sidebottom, Shannon Cox
HF: Scott Pendlebury, Leigh Brown, Leon Davis
F: Tarkyn Lockyer, Paul Medhurst, Heath Shaw
Foll: Cameron Wood, Dane Swan, Shane O’Bree
I/C: John Anthony, Dayne Beams, Ryan Cook, Sharrod Wellingham
Emg: Jaxson Barham, Brent Macaffer, Alan Toovey

In: Anthony, Beams, Cook, Cox, Davis, Medhurst, Reid, Wood
Out: Josh Fraser (knee), Dale Thomas (knee), Travis Cloke (hamstring), Anthony Rocca (groin), Danny Stanley, Alan Toovey, Jaxson Barham, Brent Macaffer

CARLTON
B: Bret Thornton, Michael Jamison, Jarrad Waite
HB: Dennis Armfield, Paul Bower, Nick Stevens
C: Kade Simpson, Chris Judd, Heath Scotland
HF: Jordan Russell, Simon Wiggins, Bryce Gibbs
F: Eddie Betts, Brendan Fevola, Aaron Joseph
Foll: Matthew Kreuzer, Richard Hadley, Marc Murphy
I/C: Mark Austin, Shaun Hampson, Mitch Robinson, Chris Yarran
Emg: Steven Browne, Brad Fisher, Setanta O'hAilpin

In: Robinson
Out: Cameron Cloke
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Round eight preview: Port Adelaide v Richmomnd

May 16th 2009 14:41
VENUE and TIME: AAMI Stadium, Sunday 17 May, 1.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played: 16, Port Adelaide 11, Richmond 5

LAST TIME: Richmond 20.7 (127) def Port Adelaide 19.9 (123), Round 13, 2008 at AAMI Stadium

RECENT HISTORY: Richmond has won four of its past six against Port Adelaide with two of those wins coming at AAMI Stadium.

FORM: Port Adelaide’s inconsistent season continued when they went down to North Melbourne by five points in a high-scoring affair at Etihad Stadium last weekend. The Power have won four of their first seven matches. Richmond started brightly against Brisbane at the MCG but fell away badly in the second half and eventually lost by 26 points. The Tigers are languishing in 15th place with a 1-6 win-loss record.

MEDICAL ROOM: Port midfielder Kane Cornes will play against Richmond despite spraining his AC join in against North Melbourne while youngster Hamish Hartlett returns from a hamstring injury. Steven Salopek also injured his shoulder against the Roos and will miss one to three weeks. Veteran Josh Carr has been ruled out for another week with a hip injury. Shaun Burgoyne (knee) is still four weeks away from resuming while forward Justin Westhoff remains on the sidelines with a foot injury. The Tigers welcome back veteran forward Nathan Brown from a groin injury, Andrew Raines for his first game since injuring his knee against Carlton in round one and midfielder Trent Cotchin for his first game of the year after suffering an Achilles injury in the pre-season. Promising young defender Alex Rance will miss to two three weeks after he fractured his cheekbone in a sickening clash with Brisbane’s Troy Selwood last weekend. Former skipper Kane Johnson (knee) is still a fortnight away while veteran Matthew Richardson will miss the majority of the season with a serious hamstring injury.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Chris Newman vs. Daniel Motlop

Motlop was dangerous in the loss to the Kangaroos but failed to make the most of his chances in front of goal, booting a wasteful 2.4.

The last time these two sides met in round 13 last year Motlop was his side’s most productive forward with six goals in a performance that earned him the two Brownlow medal votes.

Newman has the ability to match Motlop in the air and at ground level and will most likely be given first crack at the classy Port forward.

Motlop doesn’t need much of the football to have a major impact - in the round 13 clash he only had seven kicks.

Therefore, Newman will need to be switched on defensively for the full four quarters and not give Motlop any time or space as he can break a game wide open with a quick burst of brilliance.

Expect the Richmond skipper, who has averaged 21 disposals per game so far this season, to run off Motlop at every available opportunity and try and hurt him on the rebound.

Daniel Jackson vs. Danyle Pearce

Pearce has been one of his side’s most influential players so far this season, averaging 22 possessions per game.

The 2006 NAB Rising Star winner is damaging with his ability to break the lines and deliver the football cleanly inside 50 - he leads the Power for bounces and inside 50’s.

If the Tigers are going to be any hope of containing Port’s multi-pronged attack they will need to shut-down the creative run of Pearce.

Jackson has been given some big jobs on some of the competition’s premier midfielders so far this season and has been far from disgraced.

Expect Richmond coach Terry Wallace to give Jackson the task of tagging Pearce on Sunday.

Jackson will need to test out the defensive side of Pearce’s game and also apply relentless pressure all day otherwise Pearce will tear the Tigers to shreds with his blistering pace and clean use of the football.

Troy Chaplin vs. Mitch Morton

Morton has struggled after a bright start to the season - he has booted just five goals in five games after kicking four against Carlton in round one.

With Richardson out and Brown lacking match fitness Richmond will need someone like Morton step up they are going to be any hope of overcoming a Port Adelaide side that is fifth most attacking side in the competition.

Chaplin has the ability to match Morton in the air and is also mobile enough to match him at ground level and will most likely be given first crack at the former Eagle.

Richmond will need to move the football quickly through the middle of the ground if they are going to give the likes of Morton any chance of having an impact as they simply don’t have the skills to play a possession brand of football.

Kane Cornes vs. Brett Deledio

Deledio was among his side’s best against Brisbane with 30 disposals, one goal and three inside 50’s.

Last year’s best-and-fairest winner is damaging with his ability to break the lines and pump the football inside 50.

Port will be keen to shut-down the drive he provides through the middle and will give their number one tagger in Cornes the job of running with the dangerous Richmond midfielder.

Cornes will deny Deledio any time or space and will also try and hurt him going the other way.

The Tigers will need to block for Deledio at the stoppages otherwise he will struggle to win his duel with Cornes who is one of the best taggers in the AFL.

VERDICT: Port Adelaide is yet to lose two games in a row this season and the trend will continue on Sunday. Richmond will battle hard all day but they simply don’t have enough in-form players up forward to overcome a Power side that has multiple options in attack. Power by 32 points.

PORT ADELAIDE v RICHMOND
PORT ADELAIDE
B: Michael Pettigrew, Alipate Carlile, Jacob Surjan
HB: Nathan Krakouer, Troy Chaplin, Peter Burgoyne
C: Dom Cassisi, Chad Cornes, Travis Boak
HF: Robert Gray, Warren Tredrea, David Rodan
F: Brett Ebert, Brendon Lade, Daniel Motlop
Foll: Dean Brogan, Kane Cornes, Danyle Pearce
I/C: Hamish Hartlett, Tom Logan, Matt Thomas, Jason Davenport
Emg: Marlon Motlop, Matt Westhoff, Toby Thurstans

In: Hartlett
Out: Steven Salopek (shoulder)

RICHMOND
B: Chris Newman, Kelvin Moore, Andrew Raines
HB: Matt White, Luke McGuane, Dean Polo
C: Trent Cotchin, Shane Tuck, Brett Deledio
HF: Richard Tambling, Mitch Morton, Nathan Brown
F: Troy Simmonds, Joel Bowden, Ben Cousins
Foll: Angus Graham, Daniel Jackson, Nathan Foley
I/C (from): Andrew Collins, Mark Coughlan, Jack Riewoldt, Kane Pettifer, Shane Edwards, Will Thursfield, Robin Nahas

In: Brown, Cotchin, Morton, Pettifer, Raines, Thursfield
Out: Alex Rance (cheekbone), Jarrad Oakley-Nicholls, Jay Schulz

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


Lions overrun Crows

May 16th 2009 13:37
BRISBANE has overcome a sluggish start to down Adelaide by 36 points at the Gabba on Saturday night.

The Lions trailed by 25 points early in the second term but got themselves back in the contest with two late goals before slamming on 12 goals to five in the second half to prevail 18.11 (119) to 12.11 (83) victory.

The win is Brisbane’s third in a row while the Crows have now lost their past three to slip to 12th place on the ladder with a 3-5 win-loss record.

Brisbane forward Daniel Bradshaw booted five goals to become the club’s leading goal scorer with 463 goals.

The Lions veteran is also fourth on the Fitzroy/Brisbane Lions all-time list behind Lynch (633), Jack Moriarty (626) and Bernie Quinlan (576).

Justin Sherman played his best game for the club, finishing the match with a game-high 35 possessions and three goals while Travis Johnstone was also influential in the middle with 34 disposals.

For the Crows, Tyson Edwards and David Mackay tried hard all night, racking up 30-plus possessions.

Bernie Vince also won plenty of the football while Ben Rutten kept Brisbane skipper Jonathan Brown to just two goals.

Adelaide dominated the opening term, winning the football at the stoppages and moving it quickly through the middle of the ground.

But despite their dominance they led by just 13 points at quarter-time after booting a wasteful 5.5.

Mackay kicked the first goal of the second term after just 17 seconds of play and when Jason Porplyzia kicked truly the margin had blown out to 25 points.

The Crows looked set to run away with the contest but the Lions hung tough and responded with majors from Brown and Sherman who slotted one home after the siren to reduce the deficit to just 10 points at half-time.

Brisbane regained the lead for the first time in the match since the opening minutes of the first quarter thanks to goals from Bradshaw and Sherman.

The Crows hit back through Brent Reilly and Patrick Dangerfield but the rest of the term belonged to the Lions.

Bradshaw was simply unstoppable, booting three unanswered goals before majors from Albert Proud and Mitch Clark gave Brisbane a 22-point lead at three-quarter time.

Brisbane kicked the first goal of the final stanza through impressive youngster Daniel Rich at the two-minute mark but the Crows responded through Chris Knights to remain within striking distance.

Any hopes of a last quarter fight back from Adelaide was quashed by the Lions who kicked four of the last six goals of the match to seal their fifth win of the season.

BRISBANE LIONS: 3.4, 6.4, 13.7, 18.11 (119)
ADELAIDE: 5.5, 7.8, 9.9, 12.11 (83)
GOALS: Brisbane Lions: Bradshaw 5, Sherman 3, Brown 2, Polkinghorne 2,
Proud 2, Clark, Rich, Harding, Black
Adelaide: Porplyzia 2, Walker 2, Knights 2, Tippett, Moran, Edwards, Mackay, Reilly, Dangerfield
BEST: Brisbane Lions: Sherman, Bradshaw, Johnstone, Black, Drummond, Rich
Adelaide: Edwards, Vince, Goodwin, Rutten, Mackay, McLeod
INJURIES: Brisbane Lions: Merrett (ankle), Adcock (leg), Patfull (jaw)
Adelaide: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Nil
UMPIRES: Vozzo, Ryan, Armstrong
CROWD: 27,767 at the Gabba
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Brisbane Lions
   


Swans win thriller

May 16th 2009 12:57
SYDNEY remains unbeaten at home in 2009 after recording a thrilling five-point win over West Coast in a classic contest at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

The Swans led at every change but surrendered their advantage midway through the final stanza before a goal from Kieran Jack sealed a 16.10 (106) to 15.11 (101) win.

Barry Hall starred up forward with five goals while Adam Goodes was damaging with 26 possessions and three goals.

Jude Bolton was influential in the middle with 25 touches and two goals. Brett Kirk kept Matt Priddis to just 14 disposals while Rhyce Shaw generated plenty of run off half-back with a team-high 29 possessions.

For the Eagles, Dean Cox worked hard all night and finished the match with 30 hit outs, 22 touches and two goals while Ben McKinley booted four goals.

Josh Kennedy (16 disposals, 11 marks, three goals) provided a consistent target up forward while Quinten Lynch was a busy contributor but failed to make the most of his chances in front of goal, booting a wasteful 2.5.

Sydney started brightly, kicking the first three goals of the match to skip out to an early lead.

The Swans looked set to blow West Coast away in the opening stanza but the Eagles responded and trailed by just six points at quarter-time after booting two goals in the final minute of the term.

Goals from Hall and Goodes saw the Swans open up an 18-point lead early in the second term before West Coast hit back with the last two majors of the first half to trail by just four points at half-time.

Sydney raced out to a 19-point in the second half but West Coast refused to lie down and closed to within seven points thanks to goals from Cox and Kennedy.

Darren Jolly kicked his first to give the Swans some breathing space but then he gifted McKinley an easy goal after he failed to pass through the interchange gates properly.

Late goals from Hall and Michael O’Loughlin ensured Sydney went into three-quarter time with a handy buffer.

Trailing by 19 points, the Eagles needed to get off to a fast start in the final stanza and they did with Cox kicking his second inside the first minute.

West Coast dominated general play and hit the front for the first time in the match when youngster Scott Selwood kicked truly at the 20-minute mark.

The Eagles had their chances to extend their lead but Lynch and Adam Cockie missed gettable opportunities.

The misses proved to be costly with Jack kicking the sealer after an Eric MacKenzie turnover deep in defence.

SYDNEY: 5.2, 7.4, 14.7, 16.10 (106)
WEST COAST: 4.2, 6.6, 11.6, 15.11 (101)
GOALS: Sydney: Hall 5, Goodes 3, J.Bolton 2, Mattner, Ablett, Moore, Jolly, O'Loughlin, Jack,
West Coast:McKinley 4, Kennedy 3, McKinley 3, Lynch 2, Cox 2, McNamara, Cockie, Jones, S. Selwood,
BEST: Sydney: Shaw, McVeigh, J.Bolton, Jolly, Goodes, Hall, Kirk
West Coast:Cox, Kennedy, Lynch, McKinley, Cox
INJURIES: Sydney:Nil
West Coast:Nil
REPORTS:Nil
CHANGES:Nil
UMPIRES: Donlon, Rosebury, Stewart
CROWD: 33,079 at ANZ Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Sydney Swans
   


Cats crush Roos

May 16th 2009 07:56
GEELONG has maintained its unbeaten start to the season with a 70-point demolition of North Melbourne at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Cats got the early jump and were never challenged as they cruised to a convincing 18.11 (119) to 7.7 (49) win.

The win was soured somewhat for Geelong with experienced defender Darren Milburn suffering an ankle injury early in the first term.

Highlighting Geelong’s dominance was the fact that 13 players finished the match with 20-plus possessions.

Steve Johnson failed to kick a goal but was still influential, helping himself to 31 touches, seven marks and 13 inside 50's.

He received good support from James Bartel who collected 34 possessions and booted three goals while James Kelly racked up a game-high 36 disposals.

Joel Selwood also won plenty of the football while Shannon Byrnes kicked three majors.

Cameron Ling kept former North Melbourne skipper Adam Simpson to just 17 possessions while Andrew Mackie generated plenty of run with 27 touches and two goals.

The Cats shared the load in front of goal - they had 10 individual goal kickers for the match.

For the Kangaroos, ruckman Hamish McIntosh tried hard all day and finished the game with 16 disposals, 19 hit outs and two goals. Josh Gibson helped himself to a team-high 24 possessions while youngster Ben Ross was a busy contributor with 23 touches.

Geelong smashed the Roos at the clearances and ran harder than their opponents in the opening stanza as they slammed on five goals for the quarter.

Travis Varcoe and Bartel did the damage on the scoreboard, booting two goals apiece to help their side to a 25-point lead at quarter-time.

The Cats put the result beyond doubt early in the second term, slamming on five of their seven goals for the term in a stunning 10-minute burst to set up a match-winning 56-point lead at half-time.

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

Geelong will now face the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night while the Kangaroos will clash with Fremantle at the same venue on Saturday afternoon in what is a must-win match for the club.

GEELONG: 5.3, 12.5, 15.9, 18.11 (119)
NORTH MELBOURNE: 1.2, 3.3, 6.6, 7.7 (49)
GOALS: Geelong: Bartel 3, Byrnes 3, Varcoe 2, Stokes 2, Mooney 2, Mackie 2, Hawkins, Rooke, Wojcinski, Ling
North Melbourne: Hale 2, McIntosh 2, Thomas, Swallow, Wright
BEST: Geelong: Johnson, Bartel, Mackie, Byrnes, Selwood, Kelly, Ling
North Melbourne: McIntosh, Ross, Gibson Harding,
INJURIES: Geelong: Milburn (ankle)
North Melbourne: Nil
REPORTS: Nil
CHANGES: Brady Rawlings (calf) and Daniel Wells (hip) replaced in North Melbourne's selected side by Matt Riggio and Nathan Grima; Paul Chapman (back tightness) replaced in Geelong's selected side by Tom Lonergan
UMPIRES: Kennedy, Schmitt, Mollison
CROWD: 20,873 at Skilled Stadium
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Geelong Cats
   


Dogs down gallant Dees

May 16th 2009 07:35
THE Western Bulldogs have consolidated their place in the top four with a hard-fought seven-point win over Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

The Bulldogs withstood a last-quarter surge from the gallant Demons to prevail 15.14 (104) to 15.7 (97).

The Demons started brightly but their lack of finishing proved to be costly.

Some of the gloss was taken off the win for the Dogs with classy forward Robert Murphy suffering a hamstring injury in the first term which is expected to sideline him for two to three weeks.

Matthew Boyd was influential in the middle with a team-high 33 possessions while Lindsay Gilbee and Daniel Giansiracusa were busy contributors while Tom Williams kept Brad Miller goalless.

The Bulldogs had nine individual goal kickers for the match - Jason Akermanis the most effective with four while Scott Welsh chimed in with three majors.

For the Demons, Cale Morton, Brent Moloney and Brock McLean tried hard all day, racking up 36-plus disposals while Aaron Davey showed his class with 28 quality touches.

Matthew Bate booted four goals while Russell Robertson continued his impressive return from injury with three goals.

Melbourne’s willingness to play on at all costs and use the corridor in the first term paid handsome dividends as they booted five goals to three to go into quarter-time with an 11-point lead.

The Demons looked set to cause a major upset when the margin blew out to 22 points after Bate and Nathan Jones kicked truly early in the second term.

But the Dogs lifted their rating and got themselves back into the contest largely thanks to the efforts of Akermanis who booted three goals for the quarter to get his side to within three points at half-time.

Robertson kicked the first of the second half to give his side a nine-point lead but Melbourne’s joy was short-lived as the Bulldogs started to take control of the midfield.

Akermanis’ fourth major of the afternoon was followed by goals from Gilbee and Welsh as the Dogs took a 12-point advantage into three-quarter time.

Gilbee kicked his second early in the final stanza to give his side a handy break but the Demons refused to be blown away and hit back with majors from Adam Maric and Davey to close to within eight points.

The contest appeared to be over when Welsh kicked his third to blow the margin out to 18 points at the 22-minute mark.

But Melbourne responded with goals from Shane Valenti and Bate to reduce the deficit to just seven points with less than two minutes late.

However, it was too little too late as the Bulldogs held firm in the dying stages to record their fifth win of the season.

MELBOURNE: 5.2, 10.3, 11.4, 15.7 (97)
WESTERN BULLDOGS: 3.3, 9.6, 12.10, 15.14 (104)
GOALS: Melbourne: Bate 4, Robertson 3, Maric 2, Petterd, Jones, Valenti, Sylvia, Davey, McLean
Western Bulldogs: Akermanis 4, Welsh 3, Gilbee 2, Johnson, Murphy, Hahn, Addison, Cooney, Boyd
BEST: Melbourne: Moloney, McLean, Grimes, Bate, Morton, Davey
Western Bulldogs: Gilbee, Akermanis, Boyd, Giansiracusa, Welsh, Morris, Williams
INJURIES: Melbourne: TBC
Western Bulldogs: Murphy (hamstring)
REPORTS: TBC
CHANGES: Addison replaced Hargrave in the Western Bulldogs selected side
UMPIRES: Nicholls, Hay, McInerney
CROWD: 28,279 at the MCG
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News, Western Bulldogs
   


Round eight preview: Sydney v West Coast

May 15th 2009 23:15
VENUE and TIME: ANZ Stadium, Saturday 16 May, 7.10pm (AEST)

HEAD TO HEAD: Played 39, Sydney 20, West Coast 19

LAST TIME: Sydney 12.11 (83) def West Coast 11.12 (78), Round 11 2008 at Subiaco Oval

RECENT HISTORY: The honours have been shared in the past four clashes between these two sides but the Swans have won the three matches against the Eagles at ANZ Stadium.

FORM: Sydney was thumped to the tune of 51 points by Geelong at Skilled Stadium last Saturday afternoon. The Swans are one of eight with a 3-4 win-loss record. West Coast snapped a two-game losing streak with a hard-fought eight-point win over Melbourne at Subiaco Oval last Sunday. The Eagles have also won three of their first seven matches.

MEDICAL ROOM: West Coast welcomes back Matt Priddis and defenders Eric MacKenzie and Mitch Brown from injury but will be without star midfielder Daniel Kerr (adductor). Adam Hunter will have to wait another week top play his 150th game after undergoing treatment for a chronic shoulder injury while utility Brent Staker will miss at least another month of football with a hand injury. For the Swans, Craig Bird returns from a shoulder injury. Veteran defender Leo Barry will miss another three to four weeks with a calf strain while former Cat Henry Playfair (hamstring) is sidelined indefinitely. Promising youngster Patrick Vesprezmi (ruptured finger tendon) will miss at least another two weeks.

KEY MATCH-UPS: Brett Kirk vs. Matt Priddis

With Kerr out of the side the onus will be on the likes of Priddis to win a lot of the football at the stoppages.

Priddis is a clearance machine and will need to have a big game on Saturday night otherwise the Eagles will struggle to win enough of the football to be any hope of kicking a winning score.

Like Priddis, Kirk is highly effective in close and will most likely be given the job of going head-to-head with the Eagles midfielder.

Kirk, who collected 21 possessions and booted two goals the last time these two sides met in round 11 last year, will deny Priddis any time or space at the stoppages and try and hurt him going the other way.

Darren Glass vs. Barry Hall

Hall was held goalless in the loss to Geelong last weekend and will be keen to redeem himself with a big performance against the Eagles.

However, he faces a tough night as the office as he will be matched up by Glass who has returned to his best form this season after struggling with injury in 2008.

Hall tried hard all day against the Cats but was let down by his teammates poor delivery of the football inside 50.

If he is going to be any hope of winning his duel with Glass he will need his midfield to be quick and precise with their use of the football otherwise the Swans will be punished on the rebound by the long-kicking Eagles.

Paul Bevan vs. Mark LeCras

LeCras was instrumental in the Eagles’ win over Melbourne with 22 possessions, eight marks and four goals to take his season tally to 20 majors.

The impressive 22-year-old received little support up forward against the Demons with the Eagles next best goal kickers in Ben McKinley, Quinten Lynch and Hunter combining for just three goals.

If the Swans are able to keep LeCras quiet it is hard to see where the Eagles will get enough goals from to secure the four premiership points.

Bevan, who has been relatively effective on some of the opposition’s best small forwards so far in 2009, will most likely be given first crack at LeCras.

The 24-year-old will need to watch LeCras closely all night as he is capable of creating something out of nothing.

While LeCras kicked four goals against the Demons he also booted six behinds. He and his fellow forwards will need to make the most of their chances in front of goal early and apply scoreboard pressure.

Darren Jolly vs. Dean Cox

Two of the competition’s best ruckman will go head-to-head on Saturday night in what will shapes as being a pivotal match-up in determining the outcome of this contest.

Jolly admitted during the week that Cox has beaten him every time the two sides have met and he will undoubtedly be keen to have a big game against the Eagles big man.

The former Demon doesn’t need to win the bulk of the hit outs but if he at least provides a contest you would expect the mature Swans’ on-ball division to the majority of the football at the stoppages against am inexperienced West Coast midfield.

Expect Jolly, who has booted eight goals so far this season, to push forward at every available opportunity and make Cox accountable.

VERDICT: Sydney has won all three of its games at home so far this season and will make it four from four on Saturday night with the likes of Adam Goodes, Jude Bolton and Kirk set to dominate at the stoppages and provide Michael O’Loughlin, Hall and co. with enough quality supply to kick a winning score. Swans by 27 points.

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

In: Ablett, Bird, White
Out: Nick Malceski, Mike Pyke, Kristin Thornton

WEST COAST
B: Mark Nicoski, Darren Glass, David Wirrpanda
HB: Shannon Hurn, Eric Mackenzie, Brett Jones
C: Andrew Embley, Jamie McNamara, Matt Rosa
HF: Sam Butler, Josh Kennedy, Ben McKinley
F: Chris Masten, Quinten Lynch, Mark LeCras
Foll: Dean Cox, Adam Cockie, Adam Selwood
I/C: Mitch Brown, Matt Priddis, Mark Seaby, Scott Selwood
Emg: Brad Ebert, Will Schofield, Matt Spangher

In: Mackenzie, Priddis, Seaby, Brown
Out: Daniel Kerr (groin), Adam Hunter (shoulder), Matt Spangher, Will Schofield
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Posted By: TonyK - Category: AFL News