Suns too strong for Giants

Gold Coast Suns claim their biggest win in their short history, after a 44-point win over Greater Western Sydney.

• GOLD COAST SUNS 21.22 (148) GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY GIANTS 16.8 (104)

THE GWS Giants look destined for another rough education in the school of hard knocks that is AFL football.

Kevin Sheedy's boys are rooted to the bottom of the ladder following Saturday's loss to the Gold Coast Suns without a win after five matches. The prospect of their first victory remains a long way off with matches against Essendon, Adelaide, Hawthorn and West Coast to come.

Records tumbled in Canberra as the Suns kicked their highest score and big man Charlie Dixon became the first Gold Coast player to kick six goals in a match.

In what looks like a serious case of the second-year blues, the Giants have lost to three teams who finished in the bottom five last year - Port Adelaide , Melbourne and now the Gold Coast.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Only a handful of GWS players could hold their head high at the end of match. Callan Ward, Jeremy Cameron, Devon Smith Toby Greene and Dylan Shiel were all solid contributors, but their defence remains a massive problem as opposition forwards continue to have their way with them week after week.

Sixteen goals was a reasonable return for the Giants, but conceding 21 goals to the Suns put any chance of a victory out of range. Dixon, Gary Ablett and Zac Smith (three goals each) were unstoppable.

Ablett set the match up for the visitors with 19 possessions in the first half and gave Tom Scully the run-around in the first quarter, picking up nine disposals.

Fortunately, for the Giants the damage of Ablett's hot start was limited in the opening term as scores were locked at three goals a piece.

Goals to the Giants' Rhys Palmer, Cameron and Setanta O'hAilpin were cancelled out by goals to Dixon, Steven May and Jaeger O'Meara.

Greater Western Sydney coach Kevin Sheedy takes positives out of loss to the Gold Coast Suns.

Steve Coniglio earned a rising star nomination in the corresponding match last year and provided an inspirational moment for his teammates at the end of the term by sprinting 50m to smother a kick by Michael Rischitelli.

Canberra was the scene of the Giants' first win over the Suns last year, but this time they met a Gold Coast team in much better form.

Led by Ablett, who was moved forward in the second quarter, the Suns kicked the three straight.

The Giants stemmed the flow temporarily with a monster 80m goal from Devon Smith. It was an effort of which AFL great and Suns football director Malcolm Blight would have been proud, with Smith using the torpedo punt to land the major.

Long goals became the order of the day for GWS, with Jeremy Cameron and Dylan Shiel landing left-foot bombs from outside the 50m arc.

Relieved of the job on Ablett, with Toby Greene taking the job, Scully pushed forward and goaled on the run.

But the Giants defence was no match for the tall timber in the Suns forward line.

Dixon was dominant for his side, as he booted three goals for the quarter and ruckman Zac Smith chipped in with one.

Their return of 7.8 was the highest score for a single term in the Suns' short existence, passing the previous record of 7.3 set against North Melbourne last year and set up the victory.

GWS's Lachie Whitfield and Phil Davis under pressure from Gold Coast Suns Charlie Dixon . Picture: Kym Smith

Gold Coast forward Charlie Dixon booted a club record six goals to help the Suns defeat the Giants. Picture: Kym Smith

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Voss haunted by recruiting decisions

Lions coach Michael Voss. Picture Jono Searle Source: The Courier-Mail

RECRUITING, or more specifically luring established players, is one of the few tangibles where AFL coaches can be judged.

Unfortunately for Michael Voss, who has guided the Lions to just 36 wins and a draw from 94 games as coach, it's an area that continually haunts him.

Voss was the first of the legendary trio (consisting of James Hird, Nathan Buckley and himself) to coach.

An anointed threesome that combined for 17 All-Australian selections and 16 club best and fairests, their on-field deeds almost forced their former clubs to appoint them coach.

When Voss made the move in 2009, it came after he had rejected offers from Carlton and Gold Coast and reneged on an apprenticeship as an assistant at West Coast.

And after a 14-9 debut season, including a thrilling finals win over Carlton, Voss seemed on track to emulate his playing career.

So he recruited experience, thinking the likes of Amon Buchanan, Xavier Clarke, Brendan Fevola, Matt Maguire, Andrew Raines and Brent Staker could take them deeper into September. They didn't and it helped set Voss and the club back a couple of years.

Hird has been more circumspect in his short time in the job, identifying just Brendon Goddard, while Buckley has overseen the recruitment of Quinten Lynch, Jordan Russell and Clinton Young.

Voss's triple premiership teammate Alastair Lynch said Voss was not someone who will succumb to the pressure.

"As a player, he almost craved pressure and from what I have seen of him as a coach, it won't be the pressure of the situation that gets to him," Lynch said.

"Brisbane hasn't had a good run with its recruiting during Michael's time and ideally any new coach would want to go into the job with an apprenticeship. For 'Vossy' it was just a matter of circumstances coming together for him to coach his old club.

"Getting the best experience around you, such as James Hird has done with Mark Thompson, is also vital and Vossy is trying to do that."

Sadly, for Voss and Brisbane, the next two months aren't going to get any easier with a draw that reads Sydney, West Coast, Essendon, Carlton, Collingwood, Fremantle, Geelong and Hawthorn. Making today's game against Melbourne all the more vital.

As for Buckley and Hird, Lynch says he can't help but admire the pair for the way they have conducted themselves this year.

"Nathan Buckley has done a magnificent job and gets more impressive by the week," Lynch said. "He has been under pressure taking over from Mick Malthouse and he hasn't put a foot wrong.

"James Hird has conducted himself equally as impressively in very different circumstances."

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Mick's slick Blues click

Adelaide spearhead Taylor Walker is expected to miss 6-10 weeks after straining the posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during the first quarter against Carlton.

Taylor Walker is helped from the ground. Picture: Colleen Petch Source: Herald Sun

Taylor Walker sits on the bench after injuring his knee against Carlton. Source: Getty Images

WHO needs a star key forward when you can light it up at ground level like Carlton can.

No longer are we focused on what the club lacks at centre half-forward.

When you pull out the switchblade like the Blues did last night, maybe having the big name tall in attack doesn't matter.

Not when you are as quick and slick and get a rush of early goals from your classy midfielders like they did in the 32-point win over Adelaide at the MCG.

After trailing by 41 points at three-quarter time, the Crows fought their way back kicking four straight goals to get back within 18.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats

But another piece of boundary line magic from Chris Yarran, brushing off Brent Reilly and then curling in his third goal, stopped the charge. Jeff Garlett then snapped the sealer, which was his third, from almost an identical spot.

For the Crows, the night began on a disastrous note when spearhead Taylor Walker hyperextended his right knee in a marking contest in the 18th minute of the first quarter and had to be helped off the MCG.

It is believed Walker may have sustained a posterior cruciate ligament rupture.

Defender Luke Brown's night was also over in the second term after suffering concussion, leaving the Crows a man short on the bench for most of the night.

After losing Kurt Tippett, and now Walker for what looks like an extended period, Adelaide's finals hopes are starting to look rather shaky.

The Blues, on the other hand, are looking at getting their season back on an even keel at 3-3 next weekend against Melbourne.

After a big statement win over West Coast last week, things have clicked under Mick Malthouse.

Although they hardly took a mark in the forward 50m in the first half, and faded late, the Blues' ball use and leg-speed through the middle was a warning for the rest of the competition.

Heath Scotland and Andrew Walker were outstanding, intercepting the ball and rebounding from half-back.

Bryce Gibbs also controlled the play before he was substituted off with hamstring tightness at halftime.

The quick transition forward routinely found Yarran, Garlett and Eddie Betts with space to burn off their minders. They posed a continual threat, breaking goal-side of the stoppages and aerial contests.

While the Crows worked their way back into the contest, Carlton looked invincible at times with that run and carry and crushing pressure, up by 28 points at quarter time.

Adelaide Crows forward Taylor Walker being helped off the MCG by trainers. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

The move to switch Walker into defence has worked wonderfully. The former high-flying forward was largely untouched by the opposition, racking up 19 touches until half-time. Each one hit their target.

Scotland was also excellent, driving the ball from half-back and kicking a tight-angled shot on the run from the boundary in the third term.

Chris Judd, in his 244th game, needed a tag from Crow Sam Kerridge to quell his enormous early influence around the stoppages.

Betts was subbed on in the third term, replacing Gibbs. His first goal of the nigh brought chants of "Edd-die, Edd-die, Edd-die" from the Blues' faithful. Betts, Yarran and Garlett booted eight goals between them.

Adelaide was the No.1 contested ball side last year, but its midfield is not the same. Carlton ruckman Robert Warnock has taken his chance in the absence of Matthew Kreuzer, shading Sam Jacobs.

The Crow's early-season form has been patchy. Likewise, onballer Scott Thompson was down again early.

The Blues had 12 more clearances and 35 more contested possessions at three-quarter time, before the Crows turned the momentum their way in the last quarter.

Andy Otten presented forward after Walker exited the field, but Josh Jenkins was well-held by Michael Jamison. Crows' midfielders Patrick Dangerfield, Richard Douglas, Rory Sloane and youngster Rory Laird helped engineer the fightback, with limited bench rotations.

Laird's tough attack on the ball was a highlight for the Crows, in his second game. Matthew Jaensch and Otten each kicked three goals.

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Cats deny plucky Dogs

Mature-aged Bulldogs recruit Brett Goodes may come under scrutiny from the AFL match review panel for this bump on Geelong's Josh Caddy.

Joel Selwood bursts out of the middle. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

THE massive screen on the way into Etihad Stadium beamed the words "Western Bulldogs v Geelong: Mission Possible".

And while there were occasional glimmers of an improbable upset - including midway through the final quarter - there was always going to be flaw in the plot that counted against a Hollywood ending.

In a nutshell, it was simply that for all the Dogs' grunt and sweat and good intentions they were no match for the class, experience and occasional brilliance of the Cats.

And while it would be easy to laud the bravery of the underdog for refusing to give in, the same applies to a Geelong team that was reduced to 20 men from midway through the second term.

The Bulldogs began brightly, kicking the first two goals of the match and dominating the centre bounces largely through the powerful ruckwork of Will Minson.

Up forward Liam Jones was plucking marks and looked dangerous in the Dogs forward line, even though the Hawkins-less Cats still had Harry Taylor and James Podsiadly as effective marking targets at the other end.

Live HQ: SuperCoach stats, scores

Nick Lower kept Geelong captain Joel Selwood to just three touches in the opening term, and although the Cats led by 16 points at the first change there were encouraging signs for the Dogs.

Geelong had the most influential player of the first half: Steve Johnson spent the early part of the match in the midfield and was as creative as he was unpredictable. But while you never knew what he would do with the ball, he could be relied upon to do the basics when he didn't have it.

Three times he laid crunching tackles that resulted in scoring chances for teammates. After all, even Picasso obeyed some of the time-honoured principles of his craft when his paintbrush championed cubism.

The match looked headed for a predictable storyline when Geelong got out to a 34-point lead midway through the second quarter. So much so that Cats looked like they were becoming bored and started searching for ways to entertain themselves. The Dogs made them pay by scrapping their way back into the contest.

The likes of Matthew Boyd, Tom Liberatore and Daniel Cross kept toiling away honestly, while Jason Johannisen and Luke Dahlhaus used their dash to try to take on the Cats and create.

In the third quarter the Dogs simply tightened up and made the Cats more accountable, opting to go one on one with their opponents.

For all of their sustained periods of discipline, though, they frequently found themselves sliced open by a Geelong team prepared to back itself and takes risks. The Cats were prepared to flick handballs around to find space and then charge through the middle of the ground.

Once in space they either delivered the ball to Taylor and Podsiadly, or backed in the pace and creativity of the likes of Steven Motlop, Johnson and Allen Christensen.

Steven Motlop celebrates his goal in the second quarter. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

Taylor was superb in the absence of last year's club champion Tom Hawkins, and when the Cats needed steadying in the final quarter he even switched to defence and took some timely marks.

sThe Dogs probably had the better of the centre bounces and midfield stoppages, but struggled to make inroads in their forward half, where the cool Geelong heads of Andrew Mackie, James Bartel and Corey Enright controlled play.

The Bulldogs kicked the only goals in the final term (three) as Geelong, down on its interchange rotations, began to tire. But the Cats did what good teams do: they gutsed it out and did what they needed to do to win.

But there were plenty of encouraging signs for a Bulldogs team that seemingly was faced with Mission Impossible. Several of their youngsters showed a bit, and while they were ultimately outclassed, it's worth remembering they were without four of the most polished players on their list: Ryan Griffen, Bob Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa and Shaun Higgins.

Then again, Geelong could argue it was down to a measly 13 premiership players.

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Beams stays focused on recovery

Dayne Beams stretches out at Collingwood training. Picture: Wayne Ludbey. Source: Herald Sun

INJURED Collingwood star Dayne Beams has revealed plans to return to football within the next two to three weeks.

Speaking for the first time about the torn quad muscle that sidelined him for the past five games, Beams said he had plans to step up his running this week before aiming to return via the VFL in a fortnight.

He suffered the injury the day before Collingwood's first game against North Melbourne and had a slight setback a few weeks later which brought about a more conservative approach from the medical team.

"I'm not too far away," Beams said yesterday.

"I have just got back into training and things are looking positive again.

"Obviously, with the little re-bleed that I had, they have gone the ultra-conservative path now. It's a long year, so I have got to look after it, and hopefully come back in the second half of the season bigger and better."

Beams said he would likely "step it up a bit this week and see how my legs feel."

"My ambitions compared to the physios' are completely different. I am hoping for a couple of weeks, but obviously I will have to come back through the VFL.

"I am looking at about two or three weeks."

The 23-year-old midfielder said the injury had been "extremely frustrating", but it had been put into perspective by the season-ending knee injury suffered by his brother, Brisbane's Claye Beams.

Dayne said: "I had never torn a muscle before, so it was a different feeling.

"Claye is laying up on the couch and it is just so disappointing for him. I've really got nothing to complain about."

Beams is confident the Magpies would hit back hard from their Anzac Day loss in Friday night's game against St Kilda.

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Quick and the dread

Carlton's Chris Yarran has been likened to fictional movie character Forrest Gump, who just never stopped running.

Carlton duo Chris Yarran and Jeff Garlett celebrate a goal against West Coast.

T Chris. Macca cartoon. David McArthur cartoon.

CHRIS Yarran might not have seen it coming.

In one of his first chats with coach Mick Malthouse, the Carlton flyer made clear his desire to move from half-back to a permanent role in the centre square.

The answer, perhaps surprisingly, was no. Malthouse, the veteran coach of 28 seasons, had other plans for his 22-year-old trump card.

Without an experienced big key forward, at least in the early rounds, Malthouse wanted to turn the Blues attack into one built on speed.

For Yarran, the prospect of shifting back to the zone where he slotted goals from ridiculous angles on a regular basis in his draft year was even more appealing.

In an era of the forward press, Yarran's eyes light up at the balls that bounce his way in space, consigning his unfortunate opponent - which last week was West Coast's Adam Selwood - to a foot race.

Yarran kicked four goals and racked up 13 running bounces against the Eagles - 10 in the second quarter.

It was an electrifying exhibition of speed.

For Yarran, the switch forward is also more enjoyable. More natural.

Playing forward allowed him to "run on instincts that I've been blessed with". "It certainly is a lot more fun," Yarran said.

HAPPY IN BLUE (OR WHITE): Carlton's Chris Yarran greets the fans after the win over the Eagles. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

"Just because you don't have that (pressure) release of trying to beat your man down back. You don't get as nervous when the ball is in the area.

"Obviously I played a lot of junior footy up forward and I know how to play up forward, so that's given me some help transforming back to the forward line."

That's not a dig at former coach Brett Ratten, who played Yarran in defence for most of the past two years. At times, the No.6 draft pick has looked invincible back there, weaving through packs of players to launch attacks.

The 67-gamer still wants to be able to swing into defence, and knows it will probably happen most games, at times.

But the opportunity to finish on goal, alongside best mates Jeff Garlett and Eddie Betts, and sometimes another lightning quick forward in Dennis Armfield, brings an excited smile to his face.

While the finals focus is often on contested ball and big forwards, Yarran knows speed is one of the Blues greatest weapons.

"Anyone will back themselves if they have got a bit of leg-speed," Yarran said.

"You have just got to get that space around you.

"It helps because everyone is so full-on with the forward press at the moment.

"If you get that one or two marks outside that press, then it's coming into that space out the back."

It's the worry for Adelaide, ahead of this afternoon's twilight clash at the MCG.

After notching that first win of the season against the Eagles in Perth last weekend, Yarran said the team had its "mojo" back.

Narrow losses to Collingwood (17 points), Richmond (five) and Geelong (16) only fuelled Carlton's belief that it was good enough to compete with the top teams.

But against the Tigers, Yarran felt the emotional flip-side of playing in attack. He missed two late match-winning opportunities.

One was a left-foot snap, the other running in from 40m. The latter is his bread and butter. He admitted the missed attempts had gutted him.

"I was really disappointed," he said. "The week after that I came in and did so many goalkicking shots on the run and would just kick all of them. I was like, 'why couldn't I do that' (last week)?

"Maybe it was stage fright or what not. I don't know. It just happens in footy."

Yarran also refused to blame a turf toe injury, which continues to trouble him 12 months after he strained the ligament under his big toe.

"It does (hurt to kick the footy). It's not pleasant and to this day it bothers me a bit."

As much as the Round 1 misses hurt, Malthouse was consoling. "He said 'don't worry about dwelling on the past. We all know you are a good kick and what not, so you've just got to kick those when you can'," Yarran said. "Certainly if I get those opportunities again, I will take them, that's for sure."

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Jolly, Ball make welcome return

Magpie Luke Ball, pictured at training during the week, emerged unscathed from his VFL hitout. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD'S Luke Ball shone in his first competitive hitout in over 12 months as the VFL Pies trounced Bendigo by 116 points.

Ball, 28, gathered plenty of the ball and showed his veteran class at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The 2010 premiership midfielder ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in Round 3 last season and had further setbacks earlier this year with hamstring soreness.

Collingwood VFL general manager Luke Gatti said Ball pulled up well after playing around 70 per cent game time.

Ruckman Darren Jolly, who was ruled out of Thursday's ANZAC Day clash with Essendon as he recovered from a rib injury, also got through unscathed and was one of the Pies' best.

Jolly, who spent time both in the ruck and up forward, booted three goals and played 80 per cent of the match.

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers defence comes to the fore

Richmond's Nick Vlastuin manages to keep the ball in play. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

RICHMOND took another step towards maturing into a September-quality side, matching its defensive mechanisms with the robotic Fremantle and showing dramatic improvement to its timid tackling.

The Tigers were blasted for gloving Collingwood just 33 times last week, but slung Dockers into the turf 71 times in a fierce display to grasp the lead until Hayden Ballantyne's match-winner at the death.

Live HQ: Fremantle v Richmond

Part of the solution was found in Nick Vlastuin, who dished out plenty of hurt in his debut at the House of Pain.

The No. 9 pick, who the Tigers identified as their wanted man months before last year's draft, laid three tackles in the first term to make an instant impact.

The ferocious half-back, who averaged 6.3 tackles last year and was renowned for his hard edge, was also pivotal off the ball.

The Vic Metro captain opened his AFL career with a goal-saving spoil against Michael Barlow, while the two consecutive smothers that led to Chris Knights' third goal would have pleased coach Damien Hardwick.

Vlastuin finished on Stephen Hill, while antagonist Daniel Jackson racked up eight tackles.

And it was the Tigers' second-stringers that led their gallant display, with Trent Cotchin struggling to shake off an ankle injury and Brett Deledio blanketed by Ryan Crowley.

The Dockers tagger, who restricted Deledio to only six disposals from 62 minutes last year, kept him to 20 and little influence last night.

Alex Rance marshalled the defence with a dominant effort against Chris Mayne, while Dylan Grimes (Jack Hannath) and Jake Batchelor (Kepler Bradley early) all won their duels.

Knights enjoyed a breakout first three quarters, booting a trio of goals, but Jack Riewoldt (one goal) and Ivan Maric (53 per cent disposal efficiency) were all down on their blistering starts to the year.

The last-gasp loss sets up a crunch clash for Richmond next week against the undefeated Geelong.

Another defeat would consign the Tigers to a 3-3 start, undoing their early jump on the competition.

Richmond became the first side to travel to Perth and lose this season, unable to match the heroics of Hawthorn, Carlton and Essendon.

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Freo break Richmond hearts

Nat Fyfe starred for Fremantle. Picture: Daniel Wilkins

RICHMOND was left heartbroken after a dramatic one-point loss to Fremantle in hugely controversial circumstances at Patersons Stadium last night.

Hayden Ballantyne was the hero in the Len Hall Game, snapping his fourth goal in the dying stages as the Dockers escaped with a thrilling victory.

But Ballantyne's goal came after Matt White's shot on goal for Richmond was obstructed by the goal umpire.

Live HQ: Fremantle v Richmond

Legend Leigh Matthews criticised the goal umpire at the city end, saying he should have been standing behind the goal line and that his positioning could have cost Richmond a goal in the final minutes of the last quarter.

White nailed a goal from the pocket a minute later to put the visitors five points up before the gallant Tigers would be denied by Ballantyne at the other end.

Richmond gamely hung in throughout the second and third terms despite having just 13 forward entries between quarter and three-quarter time.

AFL ROUND 5- Fremantle Dockers v Richmond Tigers at Patserons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Richmond's Ricky Petterd leaves the field after their one point loss. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source:

The Tigers held their own in the clearance and contested ball battles, but it failed to translate into meaningful forays into attack.

The Dockers dominated much of the game but failed to kill off the match, with the Tigers within eight points 10 minutes into the last quarter when Dustin Martin landed a sensational goal from the boundary line.

Ty Vickery kicked his third goal to close the gap to two points entering time on to send shudders through a Freo team that was pipped by Essendon at the same venue a fortnight earlier.

Chris Knights also kicked three goals.

Richmond captain Trent Cochin suffered an injury scare late in the second term when he limped from the ground but played out the match and finished with 26 touches and seven clearances.

With Matthew Pavlich still four to six weeks away after Achilles surgery this week, the Dockers lost another tall forward with Kepler Bradley subbed out with a knee injury in the second quarter.

Bradley was understood to have suffered a lateral ligament injury in his right knee after he swung his leg into the body of Dylan Grimes when trying to snap a goal.

Richmond held a 20-point lead after a terrific opening quarter, with Shaun Grigg getting a goal in the opening 30 seconds to set the tone.

The Tigers had the first three by the time Chris Mayne soccered out of mid air to get the Dockers on the board, the forward's effort coming at the same end of the ground where he hit the post a fortnight ago when Fremantle fell short against Essendon.

The Dockers dominated the second stanza, going inside 50 18 times to three and taking the lead for the first time 11 minutes into the second term when Stephen Hill's set shot made it three in a row for the home side.

AFL ROUND 5- Fremantle Dockers v Richmond Tigers at Patserons Stadium, Perth. PICTURED- Richmond's Dustin Martin celebrates a great goal in the final term. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source:

The visitors made the most of their few opportunities to remain firmly in the match at the main break, with a second goal to Knights and followed by a great grab and goal to Vickery.

Sparks flew between coaches Damien Hardwick and Ross Lyon after the teams last meeting in Round 21 last season, when the Dockers brought in Aaron Sandilands for Jonathon Griffin just minutes before the teams ran out.

The late changes last night were finalised when the teams were handed in, with Jake King (leg) a late withdrawal for the Tigers and replaced by Robin Nahas.

Freo defender Paul Duffield was left out with a calf injury, with Nick Suban earning a repieve.

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Hardwick blasts umps over point

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick shows his anger after losing the match by one point to the Dockers. Picture: Paul Kane. Source: Getty Images

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has blasted the umpires for not calling for a goal review in a decision that could have cost the Tigers victory against Fremantle.

Speedster Matthew White's snap was heading goalward before the ball became obstructed by the goal umpire.

The ball was then rushed through for a behind, with Tiger Tyrone Vickery behind the goalline celebrating.

Vickery missed a mid-air shot at the ball, leaving White's kick to head to the post.

A frustrated Hardwick said it as a "joke" that it wasn't sent upstairs.

"There is a system in place. Use it," he repeated several times at his post-match press conference.

"I know it crossed the line. Have you seen the replay?

"Someone make a decision."

The incident occurred deep in the last quarter of Fremantle's one-point win.

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Proud Watters lauds beaten Saints

Scott Watters beams about his Saints despite loss to Swans.

Sydney claim the first overseas AFL win, beating the Saints in Wellington.

Saints coach Scott Watters with his players after the loss in Wellington. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters last night lauded the fighting spirit of his defeated side, after Sydney held off a hard-charging Saints outfit in Wellington's Anzac Day contest.

The Saints dragged the margin back within ten points in the last term after being 29 points down, and while Sydney steadied for a 16-point win the inexperienced St Kilda kept fighting.

Watters was frustrated at the close-checking tactics of Sydney's key defenders, labelling as ''interesting'' their continual blocking of his forwards well off the ball.

But while that might result in several days of scrutiny for Ted Richards and Heath Grundy, Watters' over-riding emotion was excitement his batch of raw kids and veterans nearly pulled off a fighting win.

LIVE HQ- All the stats and SuperCoach scores here

'(I am) really proud. I hate losing, we hate losing as a club, but I am really proud of their efforts. And if they continue to give that, win, lose or draw, the club moves forward,'' he said.

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt ran himself to a standstill with 27 possessions and two goals, while Lenny Hayes (28 possessions, eight tackles, 11 clearances) was also exceptional.

''(We had) ninety seven tackles, plus two in contested ball against arguably the best contested ball side over the last three or four years,'' Watters said.

Match report- Saints show plenty in loss

''(There was) great leadership - I thought Nick's game today just reeked of one of the great captains. He knows he's got to lead a lot of our younger players and be a really strong role model.

"We had four or five kids that came in and none of them look out of place"

St Kilda had five players under three games experience, with debutantes Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders both looking at home at times.

Sydney went to 4-1 and rebounded strongly from their last-start defeat against Geelong, with Dan Hannebery winning the Anzac Day Medal ahead of worthy contenders Luke Parker, Riewoldt, Hayes, and Jarrad McVeigh.

Watters believes the St Kilda fans are coming along for the journey despite his recent concession the club's premiership window was likely slamming shut.

Jon Ralph- 'Cake tin' serves up soggy dish

The Saints face Collingwood, Carlton and Adelaide (away) in the next three weeks in a testing run.

''I hope the (supporters) enjoy the strong performances of both our younger and our older players,'' Watters said.'\

'That's the great part of supporting a footy club. We all want to win, mark my words we don't put the time in and the players don't train their guts out to lose, that's not what we're about.

"There's value in effort, there's value in courage under pressure.''

Unprompted, Watters questioned whether Sydney's defenders were infringing their opponents too far from the ball.

''I think they block off the ball better than any defensive group in the league. We need to have a really good look at the way they block from 10 or 15 metres away off the ball and see if we can bring some of that into our game.

"Some of their blocking, yeah, was pretty interesting, but we will learn from it.'

'We need to have a good look at the way they block 10 or 15 metres off the ball and don't get infringed against.''
 

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pendles turns torch on "cheating" Pies

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

Bombers midfielder David Zaharakis claims the ANZAC Medal.

Scott Pendlebury accused his teammates of not working hard enough in Collingwood's Anzac Day loss to Essendon. Picture: Getty Source: Getty Images

COLLINGWOOD acting captain Scott Pendlebury last night accused his team of "cheating" at vital stages of yesterday's Anzac Day loss to Essendon, a defeat compounded by the likely season-ending knee injury to defender Alan Toovey.

The Magpies came within 11 points of the Bombers early in the final term, but were no match when it mattered most as Essendon stormed home to win by 46 points before the third highest home-and-away crowd in VFL-AFL history.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley also blamed work-rate for the way in which the Bombers were able to overpower his team with six of the last seven goals - mirroring the Magpies' last term collapse to Hawthorn in Round 3.

A frustrated Pendlebury said: "They (Essendon) burnt us pretty badly by playing honest football. We started cheating."

"In the last 15 minutes the forwards and mids ... left our backs with guys everywhere and six guys can't defend nine.

"The alarming thing is how quickly we can get blown out of the water once the game seems to be over."It is not just this year, it was last year in the finals (against) Sydney and Hawthorn."

Mark Robinson: Bombers are here to stay

Buckley agreed with Pendlebury, saying the final-term fadeouts were a "disturbing" trend that would be addressed.

"It looked like work-rate to me," Buckley said.

"If you isolate that last quarter and just looked at the numbers around the contests, at pivotal times when the ball went Essendon's way, we just didn't have enough numbers there.

"We would have had two or three blokes spectating and not working hard enough to get across."

Buckley denied that Collingwood had been too Travis Cloke-centric with their delivery into attack.

But he said the power forward, who kicked 2.3 and had little impact, needed to find a better balance between his best and worst performances.

"I think 'Clokey' spilled probably five or six opportunities that he gobbled up last week," Buckley said.

"You are not going to have career-best games every week, but you have got to find an elevated minimum level."

Travis Cloke misses a shot at goal. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

Buckley lamented the loss of Toovey, who went down after attempting to turn with only five minutes left on the clock.

"Anyway you cut it, he is going to be a loss for us ... the docs are saying it is a likely ACL rupture," he said.

"'Toovs' is a fantastic competitor. Against our values, he would nearly stand No.1 amongst his peers as the guy who is most dependable."

Buckley would not be drawn on two free-kicks to Tom Bellchambers and Scott Gumbleton late in the third term that  resulted in goals to Essendon, quelling some of the Collingwood momentum before three-quarter time.

"They were pretty close one-on-one contests that could have gone either way. We lost them - so be it," he said.

Buckley said he would not make decisions about possible inclusions for Friday night's game against St Kilda until after tonight's VFL game against Bendigo.

The Magpies' VFL side will include the likes of Darren Jolly, Luke Ball (in his comeback game), Andrew Krakouer, Ben Johnson and Alan Didak.

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Brayshaw demands Wilson apology

Brad Scott rubbishes accusations that Lindsay Thomas 'stages'.

Behind-the-scenes footage of Majak Daw receiving his North Melbourne jumper in the rooms before his AFL debut.

North Melbourne coach Brad Scott claims a journalist has a vendetta against club chairman James Brayshaw. Source: Herald Sun

NORTH Melbourne president James Brayshaw has demanded a "full and unconditional apology" from Fairfax journalist Caroline Wilson over claims about his club's medical staff.

Brayshaw and Kangaroos coach Brad Scott were both incensed after Wilson suggested on Channel Nine's Footy Classified that North's medical services director Steve Saunders had been overruling the club doctor since 2011.

Echoing an irate Scott, Brayshaw said Wilson was "universally acknowledged to have had a shocker" and warned her she should apologise early in next week's show.

"She repeatedly insisted that our head of high performance, Steve Saunders, had overruled the club doctor," Brayshaw said.

"That has never happened. That is 100 per cent factually incorrect and she has been alerted to the fact that it is.

"I will be watching with great interest on Monday night. And I am talking in the first segment. I and we as a football club expect a full and unconditional apology."

"Caro can say whatever she likes about me. In fact, I welcome it because every time she does I look better, but when it comes to the professional integrity of people like Steve Saunders, we as a football club take his reputation ... very seriously."

Scott had earlier said Wilson's comments could lead to legal action.

"One thing that we are concerned about is that there are false accusations that any one of our staff would overrule a doctor. That is simply a lie," Scott said.

"It's very dangerous territory when you start making those accusations without any evidence to back it up. I can categorically say that's not true.

"And, unfortunately, when Caroline Wilson speaks these days about North Melbourne most people think that it's just pursuing a personal vendetta that she's had against James Brayshaw for a long time."

Wilson later said on 3AW that she shouldn't have implied Saunders was overruling the club doctor.

She said she accepts this wasn't the case at North Melbourne.

Wilson also denied she had a personal vendetta against Brayshaw.

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Pies vs Dons: 10 things we learnt

Essendon claim ANZAC Day honours with massive 46-point win over Collingwood.

Essendon captain Jobe Watson celebrates a crucial goal in the final quarter of the Anzac Day match against Collingwood. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

ANOTHER year, another epic Essendon and Collingwood Anzac Day clash at the MCG. Here's what we found out this time around.

1. Essendon are the real deal

Two successful interstate trips against highly-fancied opponents and now a streak-snapping victory against the Pies. Punters were shying away from the Dons in the lead-up to Anzac Day, with the absence of Dustin Fletcher and Paddy Ryder tipped as the difference, with Travis Cloke running riot last week against Richmond. But the Bombers now have the 'D' word - depth - and genuine competition for spots among about a dozen players both in and outside of Thursday's 22. We said this last year (and look what happened), but if the five-from-five Bombers can get past Geelong in a fortnight, they should already be eyeing a top four finish.

2. Two games do not a Cloke autumn make

Travis Cloke was being whispered about as a source of Buddy-like dominance after two stellar performances in two weeks. But the Collingwood forward hurtled back to earth in a big way under that weight of expectation and was well held by Jake Carlisle and his mates. Cloke received plenty of attention but dropped the kind of marks he was clunking last week and kicked just a couple of majors. That's two ordinary showings out of five for the big man. He ain't No.1 yet.

Watch Nathan Buckley react to Ben Reid's free kick for pushing Essendon's Tom Bellchambers in the third quarter.

3. Stay out of the weights room

It's best not to be too strong, apparently. Two confusing umpiring decisions - both in favour of Essendon - were blights on what was otherwise an enthralling battle. First, Ben Reid turned Scott Gumbleton in a contest deep inside 50, pushed the Bomber in the side and chest and was pinged, resulting in a goal (see Nathan Buckley's reaction above). Then Quinten Lynch was later rolled for muscling Tom Bellchambers out of a ruck contest. Whatever the rulings, they were physical duels that should have been let go. Please explain, ump.

4. Pendles is peeved

When you collect 29 possessions and kick two goals - including one from 40m out on your opposite foot - you can pretty much say what you want. But stand-in Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury raised more than a few eyebrows when he ripped into his teammates post-game, accusing them of "cheating" by floating downfield in search of cheap kicks. An angry Pendles is a scary Pendles.

5. Carlisle is all he's cracked up to be

Could Essendon stop Travis Cloke? Without Fletcher to float across contests with those spindly arms, it was the question on everyone's lips before the bounce. Three hours later, Carlisle had yet another scalp, having spoiled most of Cloke's best chances or spooked him into spilling the rest. Yes, the young defender often had help, but the he could hardly be faulted on another remarkable performance.

6. Goldsack won't be in green for long

Can't see Tyson Goldsack being given the sub's vest again. The Pies utility had more influence inside 50 in his quarter-and-a-bit, after coming on for Ben Sinclair, than most of his teammates had in the entire game. Maybe it's the headband, maybe it's the red beard...either way, he showed plenty in his eight-possession, two-goal cameo.

More than 93,000 people turned up to watch Essendon take on Collingwood. Picture: Alex Coppel Source: Herald Sun

7. The Pies and Dons can have their day

No team deserves Anzac Day more than any other team, but after Collingwood and Essendon pulled the third-biggest home and away crowd in AFL history yesterday, surely we can end the argument about those sides having the rights to it. They do it well, they fill the MCG every year and the game is almost universally watched on the box by supporters of other clubs.

8. Toovey loss will hurt...

Innocuous as it was, Alan Toovey's knee injury will sting the Pies more than they'll care to admit. Already short on defenders who can lock down small forwards, Toovey was one of Collingwood's best before his leg gave way in the second half. With Ben Johnson still to return and Nick Maxwell watching from the sidelines, things are looking very thin down back.

Alan Toovey lies slumped on the turf after injuring his knee in the second half against Essendon. Source: Getty Images

9. ...but there is some good news

Toovey can take plenty out of Jason Winderlich's performance. Winderlich had 19 disposals and kicked three goals in the Bombers' win, after returning from a horror run of injuries that included rupturing his ACL in 2011 and ripping his hamstring last year. Winderlich was back to his explosive best at the MCG and was among the most influential players on the ground.

Alwyn Davey attemps to smother a Quinten Lynch kick on Anzac Day. Source: Herald Sun

10. Alwyn Davey is tiny

No earth-shattering revelation there, but it'd be great if his Essendon teammates learned it, too. At least 10 times this season a fellow Bomber has seen Davey one-out against a (much taller) opponent inside 50 and promptly launched a mortar on top of his bonce. Fact: Davey has more chance of winning an arm wrestle against Travis Cloke than he does of outmarking someone overhead. Stop kicking it there.

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Swans hold sway over Saints

Sydney claim the first overseas AFL win, beating the Saints in Wellington.

The AFL video review system is in the spotlight again after a close call in New Zealand

Sydney's Mike Pyke and St. Kilda's Ben McEvoy lock horns. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

ST KILDA made history last night. Unfortunately their season has now been consigned to the same status.

The Saints broke new ground as the first team to host an international premiership match, and they used the occasion to display heart and determination in short supply at times this year.

First they beat the AFL's in-and under specialists at their own game early on, then they kick-started a last term comeback that captivated the crowd of 22,546 Wellington fans.

Yet by the end of a night in which Sydney just did what they do best - stop an opponent in their tracks, surge, and stifle a late charge - the Saints were still 1-4 and out of the finals race.

Live HQ: SuperCoach scores, stats and more

This was not quite the game to showcase everything that is glorious about the AFL, with the game at times more rugby than the aerial pinpong non-converts have accused it of resembling.

Still, with Wellington abuzz to the sounds of the AFL for a week and Westpac Stadium two-thirds full last night, it was a mighty promising start.

'Proud' Watters lauds beaten Saints

For the first and last quarters St Kilda showed everything coach Scott Watters had demanded, out Sydney-ing Sydney through the efforts of Nick Riewoldt (27 touches) and Lenny Hayes (eight tackles, 11 clearances).

Sydney's Jarrad McVeigh and St. Kilda's Clinton Jones go in hard. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Then just as Sydney and Anzac Medallist Dan Hannebery seemed certain to lock down the game as they have so often at their SCG fortress, the Saints came alive again.

From 26 points down at the last break, the kids finally began matching the work ethic of the older brigade.

By the time Leigh Montagna's silky goal from deep in the pocket had reduced the margin to ten points, the Westpac Stadium crowd was rocking for the first time.

Jon Ralph - 'Cake tin' serves up soggy dish

Shane Mumford's goal in time on iced the contest for Sydney, but given the fleet of kids the Saints carried in their line-up there was no disgrace in the loss.Not only did the Saints fight to the end, they did it with a side including first-gamers Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders, as well as Tom Lee (one game), Seb Ross (two) and Nathan Wright (two) all playing last night.

All of them showed glimpses at times, and while Riewoldt (31), Hayes (33) and Montagna (29) clearly the club's best three players, it seems St Kilda supporters are prepared to come along for what could be a rocky ride.

Sydney's Adam Goodes fends off St. Kilda's Nathan Wright. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

The good news was those elder statesman led from the front all night, Riewoldt running himself to exhaustion and inspiring fellow veterans in Sam Gilbert into some rousing first-half action.

Sydney just absorbed St Kilda's best blows, then got on with the job of rebounding from that humbling loss to Geelong last week.The old stagers took time to warm to the contest, but soon midfield stars Josh Kennedy, Dan Hannebury and Jarrad McVeigh were dominating the clinches.

Luke Parker belied the slippery conditions to kick two critical goals in a low-scoring match, and Kieren Jack's 13 tackles showcased his rugby childhood.

St Kilda had the first five inside 50s and all the momentum, and could so easily have led by three goals in an inkling.

Yet an interchange infraction to Ahmed Saad gifted Josh Kennedy a long-rang goal and then Jarryn Geary's long bomb seemed to have crossed the goal line before video reviews from a shocking TV angle handed Ted Richards the mark.

Sydney's Mike Pyke crunches Justin Koschitzke after taking strong mark. Picture: Hillyard Philip Source: The Daily Telegraph

Yet with such inexperience in this St Kilda side - and Sydney containing so many flint-hard matchwinners, the Swans inevitably too control.

They would pile on the pressure - and 28 of the next 41 inside 50s - through a combination of brilliance, luck and St Kilda mistakes.

Ben McGlynn was gifted a goal-line goal when Gilbert could not force the ball through, a controversial push-in-the-back call on Tony Armstrong won Kieren Jack another, and the brilliant veteran Jude Bolton capped off another sure-handed display with a third.

From the main break, with St Kilda ten points down and battling, it looked like getting ugly.But St Kilda's rousing finish ensured that even if they remain locked on only win, nearly everyone went home happy last night.

VOTES

3. Lenny Hayes
2. Daniel Hannebery
1. Luke Parker

BEST

ST KILDA: Hayes, Riewoldt, Montagna, Gilbert, Geary, Fisher, Roberton

SYDNEY: Hannebery, Parker, McVeigh, Jack, Kennedy, 

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teams: No Joe for Anzac Day

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

A further blow for St Kilda with Stephen Milne set to miss Thursday's Anzac Day match against Sydney in Wellington.

Justin Koschitzke could play his first match for the year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has made three changes but resisted the temptation to play Joe Daniher against Collingwood on Anzac Day.

Stewart Crameri, Kyle Hardingham and Travis Colyer have been promoted to the Bombers' line-up.

Michael Hurley is out with an ankle injury suffered against St Kilda last week while defender Tayte Pears and midfielder Jake Melksham were dropped.

Dustin Fletcher has not recovered from a groin injury in time to play.

Daniher, who has been starring at VFL level, did not even make the emergencies.

But his father Anthony is not concerned.

"It's all about the right time and the right environment to bring him in, and everyone is different," he told 3AW.

"I think tomorrow could have been just a bit too early.

See the full team line-ups below and in LiveHQ

"The critical thing is to make sure he's ready to play and Joe has missed a lot of footy over the past few years.

"He's just motoring along really nicely at the moment.

"Theres absolutely no hurry to rush him into that senior team."

Collingwood made just one change, bringing in Tyson Goldsack at the expense of youngster Josh Thomas.

Meanwhile, Justin Koschiztke will resurrect his AFL career in New Zealand tomorrow.

Koschitzke, who has been bumped from the Saints' best side this year, is one of five inclusions for St Kilda's historic clash against Sydney - the first match for premiership points outside Australia.

St Kilda will be boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Sean Dempster, while draftees Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders will make their AFL debuts.

The pair were selected with picks 40 and 43 in last year's national draft.

The Swans have lost Lewis Roberts-Thompson to a knee injury and dropped Mitch Morton.

Craig Bird and Andrejs Everitt are their replacements.

Champion Data SuperCoach formguide

ESSENDON v COLLINGWOOD, Thursday 2.40pm at the MCG

ESSENDON

B: M.Hibberd 1, C.Hooker 26, M.Baguley 46
HB: B.Stanton 5, J.Carlisle 22, B.Goddard 9
C: D.Heppell 21, J.Watson 4, C.Dempsey 15
HF: J.Merrett 20, D.Hille 19, S.Gumbleton 3
F: K.Hardingham 34, S.Crameri 12, A.Davey 29
Foll: T.Bellchambers 2, B.Howlett, 40, J.Winderlich 8
I/C: D.Zaharakis 11, D.Myers 23, H.Hocking 39, T.Colyer, 32
Emerg: N.Lovett-Murray 42, J.Melksham 17, T.Pears 16

In: Hardingham, Colyer, Crameri
Out: Hurley (ankle), Pears, Melksham

COLLINGWOOD

B: N.Brown 16, A.Toovey 34, B.Reid 20
HB: M.Clarke 9, H.Shaw 39, H.O'Brien 8
C: S.Sidebottom 22, D.Swan 36, D.Thomas 13
HF: J.Elliott 19, T.Cloke 32, Q.Lynch 21
F: B.Sinclair 28, T.Goldsack 6, S.Dwyer 41
Foll: B.Hudson 25, S.Pendlebury 10, J.Blair 11
I/C: A.Fasolo 1, J.Russell 2, B.Macaffer, 3, P.Seedsman 40
Emerg: J.Witts 15, J.Thomas 24, B.Kennedy 27

In: Goldsack
Out: J.Thomas

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Thursday 5.50pm in Wellington

ST KILDA
B: N.Wright 34, S.Fisher 25, D.Roberton 17
HB: S.Dempster 24, R.Stanley 28, S.Gilbert 19
C: L.Hayes 7, C.Jones 4, J.Geary 14
HF: D.Armitage 20, N.Riewoldt 12, N.Dal Santo 26
F: A.Saad 21, S.Ross 6, J.Saunders 35
Foll: B.McEvoy 5, J.Steven 3, L.Montagna 11
I/C: T.Dennis-Lane 8, T. Lee 9, J.Koschitzke 23, B.Murdoch 30
Emerg: A.Siposs 2, T.Hickey 1, F.Ray 22

In: Koschitzke, Dempster, Lee, Murdoch, Saunders
Out: Milne (suspension), Maister (hand), Simpkin, Milera, Ray

SYDNEY

B: D.Rampe 43, H.Grundy 39, N.Smith 40
HB: M.Mattner 29, T.Richards 25, N.Malceski 9
C: K.Jack 15, R.O'Keefe 5, L.Jetta 32
HF: J.Bolton 24, S.Reid20, D.Hannebery 4
F: M.Pyke 38, A.Goodes 37, B.McGlynn 21
Foll: S.Mumford 41, J.Kennedy 12, J.McVeigh 3
I/C: T.Armstrong 19, C.Bird 14, A.Everitt 13, L Parker 26
Emerg: J.White 18, T.Walsh 17, M.Morton 10

In:Bird, Everitt
Out: L. Roberts-Thomson (knee), Morton.
 

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Unity key to Pies' game

James Hird says he's wary of Dane Swan's form against Essendon.

Essendon skipper Jobe Watson. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

COLLINGWOOD coach Nathan Buckley declared Essendon skipper Jobe Watson "basically untaggable" as he plotted a positive strategy for the Anzac Day clash.

Buckley said it would be pointless to individually target Watson, Brent Stanton, Brendon Goddard and Dyson Heppell.

"It's pretty hard if you're going to trailer and caravan them around," Buckley said.

"We believe we can defend well as a unit, reinforce our strengths and blunt the opposition's at the same time. We back the way we play, we back the way we defend."

GALLERY: See the Pies prepare for Anzac Day

The Pies made one change to the team that defeated Richmond last Saturday, bringing back versatile Tyson Goldsack at the expense of Josh Thomas.

Essendon resisted the temptation to hand father-son recruit Joe Daniher, 19, an Anzac Day debut.

Stewart Crameri comes back from a knee injury, as well as Kyle Hardingham and Travis Colyer. Tayte Pears and Jake Melksham are on the sidelines with the injured Michael Hurley.

The Buzz: How Pies hit the jackpot with Quinten Lynch

Coach James Hird said this year's Bombers were better placed to take on the Pies than last year's, despite a 4-0 record going into Anzac Day yet again.

"We've certainly got a better injury list, we've got more players available and we're playing better football than this time last year," Hird said.

"We may have been 4-0 last year, but if you look back on the games that we were playing, we were just beating sides and probably lucky to win a couple of those games.

The Barometer: Injury latest from every club

"Collingwood is an outstanding team and it's going to be a very tough game."

Essendon yesterday signed key defender Jake Carlisle for two more years.

"It means a lot to recommit to the club that gave me the opportunity and drafted me," Carlisle said.

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Scene, not Hird on Anzac Day

ANZAC day match is more than just a game for James Hird.

Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley and Essendon coach James Hird. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

James Hird after winning his third Anzac Day medal in 2004. Picture: George Salpigtidis Source: Herald Sun

ANZAC Day is not about James Hird - he just knows plenty about it.

He grew up in Canberra, two torpedoes from the War Memorial, and every year as far back as he can remember, he would be outside watching people old and young march to the heartbeat of Australia.

Hird's grandfather and great uncle fought in World War II.

Both returned.

So, when Hird arrived at Bomberland and began playing in the annual blockbuster against Collingwood, the importance of Anzac Day was already entrenched.

That he won three won three Anzac Medals (2000, 2003-04) is beside the point.

He played some magical football on the revered occasion, but if you ask him his favourite moment of Anzac Day, he would say it was the birth of his first daughter, Stephanie, on this day in 1999.

"Anzac Day has always been a big day," he said.

"My house in Canberra was the closest house to the War Memorial, so Anzac Day was always huge. You had the big march, and from a young kid, you went and watched the march up Anzac Parade.

"Then, when I think back to '95, we played footy on Anzac Day.

"It has always meant a lot because I've been around it all my life.

"But it wasn't a football game that changed my thinking about Anzac Day."

The Bombers on Anzac Day last year. Source: Getty Images

Today is his third Anzac Day as coach and he says it remains as important to him as the first occasion as a player.

"It's an historic day where we remember people who have done so much for our country - it's as simple as that,"

Hird said. "It's very important for our young players and all players of our football club to remember those people."

Yesterday was about the Anzac message.

Hird wouldn't go into detail about what was said, and by whom.

On Monday, several players visited the Shrine of Remembrance.

This morning, those players not playing will attend the dawn service.

"We'll speak about what it means to Australia and how the young people of Australia have carried the day on," Hird said.
This is where Hird and Magpie coach Nathan Buckley are so important - at their respective teams, they carry the torch of responsibility.

They follow on from Kevin Sheedy and Mick Malthouse; men who understood the messages of life - not just football.

Hird and Buckley are there to talk to their young players.

They are also there to show leadership to young people.

Hird never tires of Anzac Day.

"There are always different stories to tell, different occasions, different parts of the story ... it's not a story I get sick of telling," he said.

"Our country was built on hard work, and part of the our history is the men and women who served and sacrificed, and who served in other countries to protect people.

"When you think of all the people who sacrificed part of their life to go to war, you just have huge pride and respect."

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Players must step up: Watters

Swan Kieren Jack and St Kilda's Nick Riewoldt in Wellington. Source: Getty Images

ST KILDA coach Scott Watters has channelled legendary coach Mick Malthouse by urging his players to prove their character in today's historic Anzac Day clash.

The Saints enter the game against Sydney with a precarious 1-3 record.

Big man Justin Koschitzke will play his first game of the season as one of five changes, with All-Australian defender Sean Dempster (wrist) another inclusion.

St Kilda will field two debutants - Brodie Murdoch and Josh Saunders - while Tom Lee is back in.

Sydney recalled Craig Bird and Andrejs Everitt for Lewis Roberts-Thomson (knee) and forward Mitch Morton (dropped).

This game is shaping as St Kilda's line in the sand moment - playing the Swans on a foreign ground with key absentees and at a ground guaranteed to provide flukey winds.

For Watters, an assistant with Collingwood on previous Anzac Days, this is a chance for his players to prove their mettle.

"What we are looking for is real honesty in the contest. On this particular day, this particular stage, so many people watching, it's an opportunity for players to show what they stand for, on both sides, I guess," Watters said.

"You've got to take those opportunities whether you're a young player or an older player, to make a statement on what type of player you are.

"It's not a final, but these sort of games have that sort of feel to it.

"You've got to win games to stay in the hunt, we don't shy away from that. It's a big game, as last week was.

"You've just got to take your chances when they're there if you want to stay relevant and push yourself up the ladder."

Of debutant Saunders, Watters said: "He is a terrific kid, he's got great courage over the footy.

"He has good pace, good endurance, a developing player."

St Kilda captain Nick Riewoldt said yesterday he remained quietly optimistic about the club's season.

"At the end of the day, it's a game of football for four points and we are on the hunt for a win." he said.

"We have been thereabouts this season without getting over the line and are clearly playing an opposition that we respect, but I think we match up really well. Last year we had a couple of really close games against them so we are quietly confident about our chances and looking forward to a really tough struggle."

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

We took the drug: Essendon

Essendon have admitted to drug investigators some of its players took anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last year. Source: Herald Sun

ESSENDON has admitted to drug investigators some of its players took the anti-obesity drug AOD-9604 last year.

The Bombers said they relied on a document purported to have been issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency approving use of the substance, which WADA confirmed this week was banned.

It is believed Essendon's former sports scientist Stephen Dank showed a document to Bombers club doctor Bruce Reid.

Essendon does not have the letter, and believes Dank has the only copy.

Several Essendon officials are aware of the letter's existence.

Dank was not available to respond to questions about the document yesterday.

It has been reported "half a dozen" Bombers took the drug as part of the supplements program at Essendon last year, the subject of a joint Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority-AFL investigation.

While AOD-9604 is not banned under category S2 of the WADA code - which lists specific substances - it is prohibited under category S0, which states substances not approved for human use are prohibited at all times.

Reid has been interviewed by ASADA investigators and is believed to have told them of the letter of authorisation.

Essendon coach James Hird also has been interviewed, with other coaches and players to follow.

Dank has not yet agreed to talk to ASADA.

Given he is not employed by an AFL club, he is not compelled to submit to interview.

Asked about an AOD-9604 "authorisation letter" last night, an Essendon spokesman said: "The club has launched an AFL-ASADA investigation and an internal review and we will not be commenting until the investigations are completed."

If charged with doping, players would be expected to defend themselves under 'exceptional circumstances' provisions in the WADA code and the AFL Anti-Doping Code, which can have two-year bans cancelled.

WADA's rule 10.5.1 discusses the principle of "no fault or negligence", and is based on athletes proving they did not know what they were being given by sports scientists or doctors.

If an athlete can prove "in an individual case that he or she bears no fault or negligence, the otherwise applicable period of ineligibility shall be eliminated".

The Australian Crime Commission said yesterday it had relied on information from ASADA in compiling its report on drugs in sport, which stated several times AOD-9604 was not prohibited.

Melbourne has also been linked to "AOD" in text exchanges between Dank and Demons club doctor Dan Bates revealed last week.

Bates, who has been stood down by Melbourne, was interviewed by ASADA and AFL officers last week.

He said yesterday: "I wish to point out that I will be open and transparent and I look forward to continuing to fully assist ASADA and the AFL in their investigations."

with Eliza Sewell

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Teams: Kosi, Dempster bolster Saints

A further blow for St Kilda with Stephen Milne set to miss Thursday's Anzac Day match against Sydney in Wellington.

Justin Koschitzke could play his first match for the year. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

JUSTIN Koschitzke is a chance to return from the football wilderness in Thursday's historic Anzac Day match against Sydney in New Zealand.

Koschitzke, who has been bumped from the Saints' best side this year, was named on an extended interchange bench and was rested from Sunday's VFL match to remain fresh for the trip across the Tasman.

The 30-year-old is stranded on 195 games but a strong chance to remain in the final side when it is trimmed to 22 tomorrow with forwards Beau Maister (hand) and Stephen Milne (suspension) ruled out.

The Saints have also dropped goalsneak Terry Milera and Tom Simpkin ahead of the maiden match played for premiership points off Australian shores.

St Kilda will be boosted by the return of All-Australian defender Sean Dempster, while Geelong Falcons hardnut Josh Saunders is certain to make his AFL debut.

Saunders, who was plucked at pick No. 43 in last year's draft, was named in a forward pocket.

The Swans have lost Lewis Roberts-Thompson to a knee injury, with Jesse White, Andrejs Everitt and former Saint Tommy Walsh in the mix to replace the swingman.

Essendon and Collingwood will announce their Anzac Day sides tomorrow.

ST KILDA v SYDNEY, Thursday 5.50pm in Wellington

ST KILDA
B: N.Wright 34, S.Fisher 25, D.Roberton 17
HB: S.Dempster 24, R.Stanley 28, S.Gilbert 19
C: L.Hayes 7, C.Jones 4, J.Geary 14
HF: D.Armitage 20, N.Riewoldt 12, N.Dal Santo 26
F: A.Saad 21, S.Ross 6, J.Saunders 35
Foll: B.McEvoy 5, J.Steven 3, L.Montagna 11
I/C from: T.Dennis-Lane 8, A.Siposs 2, T.Hickey 1, T.Lee 9, J. Koschitzke 23, F.Ray 22, B.Murdoch 30

In: J.Koschitzke, S.Dempster, T.Lee, A.Siposs, T.Hickey, B.Murdoch, J.Saunders
Out: S.Milne (suspended) B.Maister (hand), T.Milera (omitted), T.Simpkin (omitted)

SYDNEY

B: D.Rampe 43, H.Grundy 39, N.Smith 40
HB: M.Mattner 29, T.Richards 25, N.Malceski 9
C: K.Jack 15, R.O'Keefe 5, L.Jetta 32
HF: J.Bolton 24, S.Reid20, D.Hannebery 4
F: M.Pyke 38, A.Goodes 37, B.McGlynn 21
Foll: S.Mumford 41, J.Kennedy 12, J.McVeigh 3
I/C from: T.Armstrong 19, M.Morton 10, L.Parker 26, C.Bird 14, A.Everitt 13, J.White 18, T.Walsh 17

In: J.White, A.Everitt, T.Walsh
Out: L. Roberts-Thomson (knee).
 

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Kelly in for the Cats

Geelong midfielder James Kelly will line up against the Dogs. Picture: Michael Klein Source: Herald Sun

GEELONG is set to welcome back midfielder James Kelly for Saturday night's clash with the Western Bulldogs, but he won't be the only comeback this weekend.

Athletic tall Nathan Vardy will play his first game of the year after overcoming a groin injury that has hampered him since before the start of the NAB Cup.

Kelly has missed the past two games with an achilles injury, but is set to return against the Dogs at Etihad Stadium.

"He should be right. It was quite an innocuous issue with his ankle, achilles area," Geelong coach Chris Scott said yesterday. "We didn't think he'd miss at all, and now he's missed two. That's more a reflection of our conservatism than the seriousness of that injury.

A shoulder injury in the VFL halts Geelong young gun Nathan Vardy's return to senior ranks. Picture: Leanne Churchill Source: Herald Sun

 

"We'd be staggered if he didn't play this week."

Vardy, who played two games late last year after returning from serious hip surgery, will play in the VFL on Sunday.

"It's really exciting to get Vards back. He needs to get some football under his belt. We're not going to rush him back at all," Scott said.

"In fact, he could have played the last couple of weeks, but we decided to be ultra-conservative with him and we'll continue that through the next few weeks with his VFL program.

"I expect it's going to be difficult because he'll play well at VFL level, but we will resist the temptation to get him back into the AFL system because we'd rather be safe than sorry.

"Some of the feedback we're getting is that it's just too conservative, but if that's a mistake we make then I can live with that."

Josh Walker will return after injuring his shoulder in the first VFL game of the season four weeks ago, while Josh Hunt, who has battled back from glandular fever and a shoulder issue, will spend more time in the VFL.

"(Hunt) has got some more footy at VFL level. He played very well on the weekend, he was clearly one of the best players on the ground, but he's coming off a very limited preparation," Scott said.

"Josh is going to be important for us, certainly in the last half of the season. Similarly to our younger players, we've got to make sure he's well and truly ready to play his best before he steps up to AFL level."

Ruckman Hamish McIntosh, who is battling an achilles injury after having pre-season knee surgery, is still at least a couple of weeks away from a return.

"Dawson Simpson's the other one who's not too far away. We'd love to have Simpson, Vardy, McIntosh available, Walker will play this week as well, so we're slowly getting those (tall) guys back into the system," Scott said.

"We very much see those guys as a unit that works together. We certainly won't be deciding on our best two and sticking with them every single week.

"It's healthy for our group that we're starting to get some of those guys backs into our system."

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Lynch ready for 'G force

Quinten Lynch puts his hand near his 2006 West Coast premiers tattoo during recovery. Picture: Petch Colleen

QUINTEN Lynch used to enjoy quiet training sessions at an empty MCG as an Eagle.

He was happy at West Coast but, as a keen student of the game, he knew that there could be nothing better than playing week after week in front of packed stands at the home of footy.

Lynch played 18 of his 209 games for the Eagles at the 'G. Tomorrow will be his first Anzac Day clash against Essendon.

It won't be the biggest crowd he's played in front of - 97,431 attended the Eagles winning Grand Final in 2006 - but it could well be the best atmosphere.

Lynch used to be at peace on a quiet MCG, now he's revelling playing in front of the massive Magpie army.

"We used to get to train there every now and then when I was at the Eagles. We'd only play there once a year and maybe finals," Lynch said.

"When we'd train, it'd be empty, so it was always nice to get out on to the ground and walk around when it was quiet.

"Now that I'm a part of Collingwood, it's exciting to be able to get out there and play real games all of the time. I'll probably play there more this year than I did for the rest of my career.

"I love running out there, I get a bit of a buzz every time I do. It's the home of footy and it seems to be every week that we're playing in front of massive crowds."

Lynch, an off-season free agency acquisition for the Magpies, has been a revelation this year, particularly since Darren Jolly went down with a rib injury against Carlton in Round 2.

But there is one source of frustration this year - his lack of goal-scoring prowess.

He has netted three goals for the Pies, two of which came in Round 1 when he played predominantly as a forward with Jolly still fit and firing.

"I'm just really enjoying my footy at the moment," he said. "I've been given a fresh start, a clean slate. I've come in to a real good team and a real good club.

"It's exciting for me, probably the back end of my career. I'm just trying to make every post a winner.

"When I came to the club, one of the things that excited me was being able to play a little bit in the ruck.

"I've enjoyed that bit of freedom up the ground as well as getting back and helping Trav (Cloke) out as much as I can.

"I'd just like to hit the scoreboard a little bit more. At the moment, that's probably the one area I've let myself down. It's not a technique thing. I've just got to get in some better spots.

"I've just had opportunities that I haven't finished off. As a forward, you've got to kick goals."

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Judd ready to sign for another year

Carlton superstar Chris Judd confirms he'll play on into the 2014 AFL season, despite not yet having signed a contract extension.

Carlton star Chris Judd is ready to re-sign. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

CARLTON superstar Chris Judd has put aside retirement plans, telling the club he wants to play next season.

A decision to relinquish formal leadership duties has helped rejuvenate the 29-year-old who admitted he was appreciating football more this year than he had in some time.

There has been speculation the brilliant midfielder may make a sudden exit from football after delaying contract talks with the Blues until mid-season.

But the Brownlow medallist has made it clear he wanted to re-sign a deal to play a 13th AFL campaign in 2014.

"I've already expressed I will be keen to play on again next year and the club has said they're keen to have me," Judd said.

"We haven't penned a deal yet, but I'm sure that will get done at some stage during the season."

After signing a six-year deal to come to Carlton in late 2007, Judd said he would likely take it year by year from now on.

Former teammate Dean Cox told the Sunday Herald Sun he would also likely commit only for one season.

"That's the case for most blokes who get to 30 years old and I think that works for the club and it works for the individual as well," he said.

The West Coast premiership midfielder told 6PR radio the realisation he was in the final stages of his career had helped him enjoy his football more this season.

"Once you start to approach 30, more so, you realise it is going to end," he said. "So you sort of get a bit more of an extra kick in a sense, because you have this realisation that it actually it isn't going to last forever.

"I'm probably appreciating footy a bit more than I have for a while."

Judd has previously indicated he would want to leave football after he retires from playing. But the 243-gamer now said there was a chance he could return to the game in some capacity, including potentially coaching, once he hung up the boots.

"At the moment, I will look to explore other opportunities outside of footy, but I acknowledge that I do really love the game," he said.

"I just couldn't tell you how much I'm going to miss it once I stop playing.

"Hopefully, I have got a couple of years before I have to do down that path, we'll just wait and see."

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

Saints to double up in NZ

Nick Riewoldt models the Saints' New Zealand strip. They are set to play two games across the ditch next year.

Former Sydney Swan Troy Luff joins Fox Sports News to discuss all the burning issues in the AFL including Daniel Menzel's injury and Majak Daw.

THE AFL will almost certainly grant St Kilda's "bold" bid to play two home games a season in Wellington in the next two years.

St Kilda chiefs hope to use strong Kiwi interest in the historic Anzac Day clash against Sydney to back its case for a second home game in August in 2014 and 2015.

Teams: Kosi, Dempster back for the Saints

Pre-sales point to a crowd of more than 20,000 tomorrow at Westpac Stadium, a 34,000-seat stadium that is home to Super Rugby's Hurricanes.

AFL deputy chief executive Gillon McLachlan said although the Saints' proposal had not yet been approved by the league, the signs were "very promising".

"They've obviously spoken to us about whether we would contemplate two games next year and two games (the year) after," McLachlan said.

"But it's in the context of we'll see how this game goes, and on the crowd and the success of the game, and have a look at it after that.

"It's obviously a very bold play from St Kilda.

"But you certainly get excited when you arrive, as we have today, and there are people in St Kilda and Sydney gear walking the streets and every cab driver wants to talk to you about the game.

"It feels very real."

St Kilda chief executive Michael Nettlefold told the Herald Sun yesterday that benchmarks set by the Wellington Council for continuing support would be met.

Nettlefold urged the AFL to think big.

"It's possible that in 20 or 30 years, you might have a side playing over here," Nettlefold said. "You have seen it work in rugby league, and netball and soccer and rugby union. This is a country which loves its sport and we think it will be taking to Australian rules as well.

"It is three hours door-to-door from Melbourne and Sydney, and there is only a two-hour time difference. It has a very similar travelling profile to Perth."

St Kilda players and coaches arrived yesterday a day later than the Swans.

St Kilda coach Scott Watters knows playing the premier on a small ground in windy conditions may favour Sydney, but he said the support in Wellington would be for St Kilda.

"(Westpac Stadium) is a fantastic ground; it's the same length as the SCG but 17m thinner. It's a cauldron. They call it the Cake Tin for a reason," he said.

Nettlefold said 2500 St Kilda and 1500 Sydney fans were in town.

"Hotels are booked out, Virgin put another flight on to accommodate demand, and there are a lot of Australians in Wellington," he said.

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Rance wanted to take on Cloke

Travis Cloke goals for Collingwood against Richmond at the MCG yesterday. Picture: Ludbey Wayne Source: Sunday Herald Sun

IT was Alex Rance's call to take on Collingwood gorilla Travis Cloke, with the young Tiger determined to prove himself on the big stage.

Football experts have wondered why Troy Chaplin, the experienced full-back Richmond signed from Port Adelaide last October, didn't match up on Cloke, who proved the difference with a devastating seven-goal haul on Saturday.

But Richmond captain Trent Cotchin revealed Rance, 23, asked for Cloke when the Tigers' defence met to discuss the Pies last week.

What else was said: Read what you missed on TV last night

"Obviously Rancey had been disappointed with his performances in previous weeks and wanted to show that he was capable of taking on one of the best key forwards in the competition," Cotchin told Fox Footy's On The Couch.

"We thought it was a fantastic thing that he wanted to put his hand up.

Richmond's Alex Rance gets the ball in the game against Carlton at the MCG. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

"I think before halftime he'd done a relatively good job considering our pressure wasn't up to the standard in the midfield."

Rance has suffered a tough start to 2013, with Liam Jones booting a career-best four goals against the priority pick in Round 3.

And Cotchin revealed that while the Tigers started favourites against the Pies, their training standards last week foreshadowed a dip in performance.

"It was a big build up. We thought we were ready, but even looking back to our training we probably didn't have the standards we had leading into other games," hr said.

"That was something we reviewed as a leadership group today.

"We thought we were ready to take a potential top-four side on and we didn't. Our focus areas going into the game, we didn't tick any of those off, and that's disappointing."

Asked to rate some of the other superstar midfield captains in the AFL, Cotchin said: "I've always idolised Gary Ablett and still looking back on that St Kilda game (in Round 1) to see him kick three or four goals in one quarter, and he's consistently having mid-30 possessions with most of them pretty effective.

"He's certainly the most talented in my eyes as a midfielder, but Joel Selwood's impact and the way he leads is something to aspire to."

22.43 | 0 komentar | Read More

This time it's personal for Woosha

Eagles coach John Worsfold has a tough exterior - but there is a sentimental side. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

Cartoon by David 'Macca' McArthur Source: Herald Sun

HE'S known as the hard man of the west, but West Coast coach and former Eagles enforcer John Worsfold has a little-known sentimental side.

Worsfold, who captained the Eagles to two flags, sends congratulatory letters to players who reach milestones at rival clubs.

In what is football's version of the Queen's birthday and anniversary telegrams, Worsfold takes the time to send personalised notes to players across the league.

The Herald Sun has learnt that the premiership coach, who developed a reputation as a fierce competitor during 209 games, has sent the letters for most of his 11-year coaching career.

Each week he checks an AFL email that details impending milestones before drafting any letters.

Worsfold declined to comment on the routine for fear of grandstanding, but at a time when negative stories are rife, it deserves recognition.

Western Bulldogs games record-holder Brad Johnson remembers the letters landing after his 200th and 300th games.

"It's one of those things you don't expect, but you look back and think, 'What a wonderful gesture from an opposition coach'," Johnson said.

"You speak to other players and it's something that he does right across the whole competition. I just think he appreciates, having done it himself, that guys really do put in the hard work."

North Melbourne legend Glenn Archer opened a few over the course of his 311-game career.

"It used to surprise me because we used to try and punch the s--- out of each other," Archer said.

"He's the only bloke who got me good and proper."

Archer's teammate, Adam Simpson, said the letter meant he had "instant respect" for the West Coast coach.

"Not knowing him at all, it probably speaks volumes for the sort of person he is and it's one of the reasons he's had such a long career as a player and coach," Simpson said.

"I suppose it makes you feel special for a day."

Anthony Koutoufides played 278 games for Carlton between 1992 and 2007 and was at Princes Park when Worsfold was an assistant with the Blues.

"You don't expect it, but looking back on it you understand because of the sort of person he is and has always been - just a really good, nice guy," Koutoufides said.

"It's always an honour when someone with his standing in the game goes out of his way to do that."

Mark McVeigh played his 200th game for Essendon in 2010 when Worsfold's letter lobbed.

"I was extremely surprised, but it just gave me a very good feeling," McVeigh said.
 

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

Tigers must tackle major flaw

Richmond's Dustin Martin gets away a handball while being tackled by a Collingwood opponent. Source: Getty Images

THEY are exciting to watch with the ball in hand, but Richmond players must address a defensive flaw before Friday night's clash with Fremantle.

Richmond was cut open by Collingwood in a third-quarter burst on Saturday, conceding eight goals and kicking just two.

The Tigers hardly laid a hand on the Pies' ball-winners in that time, making only four tackles as the Collingwood onballers smashed their opponents and the Magpies runners spread quickly from contests.

Coach Damien Hardwick conceded it was a "poor" number.

But Richmond is not a big-tackling team.

While the Tigers were ranked No.1 for creating turnovers in the forward half last year according to Champion Data, their overall tackle count has sunk to dead last this season.

They have 164 tackles from four games. West Coast leads the competition on 280.

While the numbers might be cause for alarm, it continues the trend for the Tigers, who have not finished higher than 11th in tackle differential since 2000.

Hardwick said his players were unable to lock down on the Pies in the third term onslaught, something they can ill-afford if the Dockers get a run-on at home.

"The situation was Collingwood was winning the ball, running hard forward and we just couldn't at any stage stop that momentum," Hardwick said.

"It was probably the first time we've had seven or eight (unanswered) goals kicked against us for a fair period of time."

Robin Nahas, who won 17 possessions in a half in the VFL, is pressing for senior selection, as are Brad Helbig (27 disposals) and Aaron Edwards (five goals).

Jake King is in doubt with a corked leg, while midfielder Shane Tuck, who has three tackles for the year, may make way.

Analyst David King said he "wasn't overly concerned" by the tackle numbers.

The former Richmond assistant coach likened the Tigers' defensive set-up to Hawthorn, which ranked ninth for tackles in its 20008 premiership campaign.

"It doesn't meant they are not pressuring at all, tackles aren't the be all and end all," King said.

"I don't think there is a lot wrong. They just had a shocking 15 minutes.

"Their first and second quarters were very good.

"Realistically, in the past Richmond would have lost that game by 70 points but they found a way to fight their way back in and they were still a fluky chance (to win) with 15 minutes to go."

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More

What you missed on TV last night

Stephen Milne looks set to miss St Kilda's historic Anzac Day clash against Sydney after being charged for misconduct by the AFL match review panel

Behind-the-scenes footage of Majak Daw receiving his North Melbourne jumper in the rooms before his AFL debut.

Shane Crawford is in Hawaii but he's still thinking about SuperCoach - and Travis Cloke.

Was Dane Swan offered to the Giants? Source: Getty Images

DID you miss last night's AFL television shows? Rewind and catch up on all the hot topics and big issues discussed.

AFL 360

* MELBOURNE topped the agenda, and it wasn't for all the right reasons despite its breakthrough win. Gerard Whateley said "winning can't be a special event" at the Dees. "Teams that just win all the time because it's expected. They've got to grow out of this, it's been going on too long."

* MARK Robinson and Whateley agree Majak Daw's dazzling first minute was heart-warming.

Behind-the-scenes footage of Majak Daw receiving his North Melbourne jumper in the rooms before his AFL debut.

* Both agree West Coast is in big trouble. The Eagles are at 1-3 with an injury crisis. "They're in a hole. When they get them all back (from injury) it'll be a different scenario. The problem is what damage will be done by then?" Robbo asked. He says he doesn't see the same hunger as from the top sides.
* WHATELEY says Stephen Milne is very lucky and should have been given two weeks for misconduct. "There will be no challenging that."

* ROBBO says "that's rubbish from Milne. He should be ashamed. You don't grab someone's face."

Stephen Milne looks set to miss St Kilda's historic Anzac Day clash against Sydney after being charged for misconduct by the AFL match review panel

* BOTH agree Neville Jetta's high bump Lachie Whitfield was a cheap shot. Robbo says Steve Morris's hit on Jamie Elliott was an accident.

* ROBBO says they should find people from a lot more clubs to replicate "Channel Ed" - Pies president Eddie McGuire's one-eyed call of the Collingwood-Richmond game.

Eddie McGuire and his all-Collingwood commentary team get fired up as the Magpies come from behind to beat Richmond.

* RODNEY Eade and Mark Thompson joined the show ahead of Thursday's Collingwood-Essendon Anzac Day blockbuster.

* EADE says star ruckman Darren Jolly is fit and up for selection against the Dons. Thompson says Michael Hurley won't play, but it was a "good (ankle) ligament to hurt if there was one to hurt." He's in the mix for Round 6.

* ROCKET says Brendon Goddard's tears show he wants to be remembered a St Kilda player, not just an Essendon player, when he retires. Bomber says the tears were great and he obviously still has a lot of mates there.

* BOTH laud Joel Selwood. Bomber says Friday night against the Swans was the best he's seen Selwood play. Rocket praises his disposal under pressure.

Geelong skipper Joel Selwood was the standout leading the Cats to victory. Picture: Phil Hillyard Source: The Daily Telegraph

* BOMBER says Mitch Duncan, Allen Christensen and Steve Motlop have stepped up. Rocket says with six of their last 10 games at home, the Cats are looking ominous.

ON THE COUCH

* THE AGENDA is headlined by the Eagles' horrible start to the year. Mike Sheahan says the dynamic has changed with Nic Naitanui sidelined with injury. "If he's 4-5 (weeks) away with a groin injury it'll be midseason until we see him and that's a real concern." Robert Walls says Nic Nat is West Coast's most important player.

* WALLS says Mick Malthouse dominated terms against John Worsfold on Saturday night and that Woosha didn't react.

Carlton's Kade Simpson celebrates the win over West Coast. Picture: Daniel Wilkins Source: PerthNow

* THE panel discuss how Port Adelaide is a big chance to knock off the Eagles this week.

* GERARD Healy says the Lions "didn't get off the bus" against North Melbourne. "If they don't see improvement he's (coach Michael Voss) going to be under the microscope. That game was done and dusted by quarter time."

* THE panel agree despite Essendon being perennial fast starters of late, its 2013 side looks much more formidable.

* WALLS says new Magpie Quinten Lynch has been the recruit of the year. Sheahan agrees and says Travis Cloke is the most valuable player in the competition at his best.

* TRENT Cotchin was the special guest. He said the Tigers' training was sub-standard last week.

* COTCHIN also says Alex Rance put his hand up for the role on Cloke. Read more on what Cotchin had to say HERE

* MIKE Sheahan says St Kilda is in massive trouble. "They've got no hope in New Zealand." The panel agrees it's too late for the Saints to trade out their older stars, given their currency has rapidly diminished.

* HEALY says it's time GWS and Gold Coast got competitive. Read how they should do so HERE

OPEN MIKE WITH BARRY HALL

* HALL admits he should have been suspended and missed the club's 2005 flag after deliberately hitting St Kilda defender Matt Maguire behind play.

* ASKED how he would have judged the incident if he was on the tribunal, he replied: "I probably would have said 'guilty, you are not playing'."

* HALL said his relationship with former coach Paul Roos wasn't great.  Roos seemed to deliberate snub Hall after he hit Ben Rutten, ending his Swans playing days, Hall said. "I ended up walking away from the club bitter."

Barry Hall with the 2005 premiership cup. Source: Herald Sun

FOOTY CLASSIFIED

* GARRY Lyon says after the Stephen Dank link to Melbourne you do "lose a little bit of faith". He says that as a supporter, he just wants answers.

* CAROLINE Wilson says the Dees probably panicked by not coming forward to the AFL over their Dank links.

* THE panel discuss why clubs do not employ full-time doctors, and the role and power of doctors within clubs.

* ARE the Western Bulldogs escaping without public scrutiny? A graphic is shown comparing the Dogs under Brendan McCartney to the Dees under Mark Neeld, with the on-field results similar.

* WILSON flagged a rumour that Collingwood president Eddie McGuire had "casually offered" Brownlow Medallist Dane Swan to the Giants last year.

Mr 200. Dane Swan on the charge in his 200th AFL game against Richmond. Picture: Wayne Ludbey Source: Herald Sun

* MATTHEW Lloyd says Harry Taylor, a West Australian,  is the best key defender in the game and should demand huge interest from rival clubs. "He's the best tall back in the competition and capable of kicking 50-plus goals as a forward."

* Lloyd says the biggest 18 weeks of Brian Lake's career is coming up, with Ryan Schoenmakers sidelined with a knee injury. "We're going to find out a lot about him and it starts this week against Drew Petrie."
 

22.42 | 0 komentar | Read More