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Fremantle To Play Debutant Number 10
July 8th 2009 14:32
Tim Ruffles will become Fremantle's 10th debutant of the season and its ninth first-year player to be unveiled when the club meets Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Saturday night.
Ruffles, 18, will be joined by Dean Solomon, who has served a club-imposed one-match ban, while injured captain Matthew Pavlich (calf) won't be risked but will still travel with the side for a match-day role.
Coach Mark Harvey said with 16 players unavailable for selection, including rookies, he didn’t have the luxury of resting draftees Stephen Hill and Nic Suban and would continue the club's aggressive youth policy by selecting Ruffles.
"He’s been playing really well at WAFL level for a month now, so it gives us the opportunity at selection to put his name forward and play him," Harvey said from Fremantle Oval on Wednesday afternoon.
"When you have 14 new players and you have substantial injuries then it can be forced upon you a little bit, but I think we’ve got to be brave with selection and know where we’re heading."
Ruffles, who Fremantle recruited with pick No. 68 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, has been used as a forward by WAFL club Perth and has averaged 16 possessions and two goals in his last month.
Harvey said he would play the New South Welshman on a wing and in attack, but would eventually like to have him on the ball.
"(He's) lively, he’s got some speed and acceleration and a good leap on him," Harvey said.
"He needs to evolve in his body too, but he’s just elusive when he plays."
Harvey made the announcement in front of all his players on Wednesday and said it was one of the moments he treasures as a coach.
"Just the glee and him being ecstatic, not knowing that was coming in front of the group," he said.
The Brisbane Lions were the last side to debut 10 players in one season, in 2006, after giving opportunities to 11 in 2005.
This year, Richmond and North Melbourne have each played seven debutants for a total of 37 games while Melbourne has debuted six.
Fremantle's nine new players have combined for 53 games.
Luke Pratt, a second-year elevated rookie, has been joined by draftees Hill, Suban, Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Clarke and Michael Walters and rookie-listed trio Greg Broughton, Matt de Boer and Clancee Pearce.
Ruffles, 18, will be joined by Dean Solomon, who has served a club-imposed one-match ban, while injured captain Matthew Pavlich (calf) won't be risked but will still travel with the side for a match-day role.
Coach Mark Harvey said with 16 players unavailable for selection, including rookies, he didn’t have the luxury of resting draftees Stephen Hill and Nic Suban and would continue the club's aggressive youth policy by selecting Ruffles.
"He’s been playing really well at WAFL level for a month now, so it gives us the opportunity at selection to put his name forward and play him," Harvey said from Fremantle Oval on Wednesday afternoon.
"When you have 14 new players and you have substantial injuries then it can be forced upon you a little bit, but I think we’ve got to be brave with selection and know where we’re heading."
Ruffles, who Fremantle recruited with pick No. 68 in the 2008 NAB AFL Draft, has been used as a forward by WAFL club Perth and has averaged 16 possessions and two goals in his last month.
Harvey said he would play the New South Welshman on a wing and in attack, but would eventually like to have him on the ball.
"(He's) lively, he’s got some speed and acceleration and a good leap on him," Harvey said.
"He needs to evolve in his body too, but he’s just elusive when he plays."
Harvey made the announcement in front of all his players on Wednesday and said it was one of the moments he treasures as a coach.
"Just the glee and him being ecstatic, not knowing that was coming in front of the group," he said.
The Brisbane Lions were the last side to debut 10 players in one season, in 2006, after giving opportunities to 11 in 2005.
This year, Richmond and North Melbourne have each played seven debutants for a total of 37 games while Melbourne has debuted six.
Fremantle's nine new players have combined for 53 games.
Luke Pratt, a second-year elevated rookie, has been joined by draftees Hill, Suban, Hayden Ballantyne, Zac Clarke and Michael Walters and rookie-listed trio Greg Broughton, Matt de Boer and Clancee Pearce.
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: AFL Talk
AFL Round 2 Results
April 6th 2009 07:48
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Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: AFL Talk
AFL Round 1 Results
March 30th 2009 07:34
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Posted By: Craig Hill - Category: AFL Talk
Cats Defeat Magpies In NAB Cup Grand Final
March 14th 2009 05:28
Geelong has taken a giant step away from the disappointment of September's grand final loss and sent an ominous warning to the rest of the competition, thrashing Collingwood by 76 points to claim the NAB Cup at Docklands on Friday night.
The Cats last won the pre-season premiership in 2006 and looked certain to claim this one from midway through the second quarter.
Scores were locked at the first change but six unanswered goals generated a 40-point lead at the main break and laid the foundations for the 0.18.19 (127) to 1.6.6 (51) victory.
Joel Selwood, who with Gary Ablett wreaked havoc through the midfield, won the Michael Tuck Medal as the best player on the ground.
So dominant were the Cats in what was expected to be a close contest, that the Pies took almost a half of football to kick their third goal of the game. It came at the 13-minute mark of the third quarter.
So imposing were they in almost every match-up around the ground that acting captain Cameron Ling was substituted from the game in the third quarter.
But the news wasn't all good for Geelong, with premiership defender Josh Hunt taken from the ground on a stretcher in the first quarter with what is suspected to be an ACL injury to his left knee.
He hit the ground after an innocuous clash with Collingwood forward Paul Medhurst.
Selwood was stellar, collecting 19 touches to half time to finish with 33 and two goals. Ablett was less visible but no less effective, especially in the last term, and had 35 disposals and three goals.
Paul Chapman (29 possessions, two goals) was also very good while young forwards Tom Hawkins and Ryan Gamble were lively but wasted opportunities.
Harry Taylor clearly won his battle with Travis Cloke and Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright and Darren Milburn were watertight as usual.
The free-kick count heavily favoured the Cats (27-10) but despite the moans of Pies fans, it accurately reflected the winners' desire to be first, strongest and smartest at the contest.
For the Magpies, Shannon Cox stood out with 17 generally good disposals, Scott Pendlebury (14) and Dane Swan (16) worked hard in the midfield, Thomas showed flashes of form forward, while Tarkyn Lockyer was reliable as a backman.
The Cats got off to a great start when Tom Lonergan booted their first after a free kick was awarded right in front, but the Magpies then kicked three of the next four to take back the lead.
One of those was a 50m penalty won by ruckman Chris Bryan for a nine-point conversion, but Selwood was able to reply.
The Cats then turned it on in the second, adding 6.5 to 0.1. Steve Johnson kicked the first before Chapman took a Selwood handball to goal on the run. Varcoe then kicked his first and Selwood nailed another.
Johnson marked unmanned 30m out and converted and then Ablett sent home a super-goal that was disallowed because of an infringement in the square. He booted a regulation goal moments later to make up for it.
The Cats had several more opportunities on the way to their 40-point half-time lead, but didn't capitalise on them.
The third term started in similar fashion, with the Cats booting a couple before the teams traded majors. Fifty-six points clear, the Cats turned for home.
In the last, Ablett kicked an incredible goal from 40m on the boundary only for the Pies to find a double through Thomas and Cloke.
Geelong then booted the last four, including Jimmy Bartel's celebrated say after the final siren.
The focus of both sides will now switch to round one of the season proper, with Geelong to meet Hawthorn in two weeks' time and Collingwood hosting Adelaide.
Geelong 0.3.5 0.9.10 0.13.15 0.18.19 (127)
Collingwood 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.4.5 1.6.6 (51)
GOALS
Geelong: Nine-point goals: Nil Goals: Ablett 3, S. Johnson 3, Selwood 2, Chapman 2, Lonergan 2, Stokes 2, Gamble, Varcoe, Tenace, Bartel
Collingwood: Nine-point goals: Bryan Goals: Thomas 2, Clarke, O'Bree, Beams, Cloke
BEST
Geelong: Selwood, Ablett, Chapman, Taylor, S. Johnson, Bartel
Collingwood: Cox, Thomas, Lockyer, Pendlebury
INJURIES
Geelong: Josh Hunt (knee)
Collingwood: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: McLaren, Jeffery, Donlon, M. Nicholls
Crowd: 37,277 at Docklands
The Cats last won the pre-season premiership in 2006 and looked certain to claim this one from midway through the second quarter.
Scores were locked at the first change but six unanswered goals generated a 40-point lead at the main break and laid the foundations for the 0.18.19 (127) to 1.6.6 (51) victory.
Joel Selwood, who with Gary Ablett wreaked havoc through the midfield, won the Michael Tuck Medal as the best player on the ground.
So dominant were the Cats in what was expected to be a close contest, that the Pies took almost a half of football to kick their third goal of the game. It came at the 13-minute mark of the third quarter.
So imposing were they in almost every match-up around the ground that acting captain Cameron Ling was substituted from the game in the third quarter.
But the news wasn't all good for Geelong, with premiership defender Josh Hunt taken from the ground on a stretcher in the first quarter with what is suspected to be an ACL injury to his left knee.
He hit the ground after an innocuous clash with Collingwood forward Paul Medhurst.
Selwood was stellar, collecting 19 touches to half time to finish with 33 and two goals. Ablett was less visible but no less effective, especially in the last term, and had 35 disposals and three goals.
Paul Chapman (29 possessions, two goals) was also very good while young forwards Tom Hawkins and Ryan Gamble were lively but wasted opportunities.
Harry Taylor clearly won his battle with Travis Cloke and Matthew Scarlett, Corey Enright and Darren Milburn were watertight as usual.
The free-kick count heavily favoured the Cats (27-10) but despite the moans of Pies fans, it accurately reflected the winners' desire to be first, strongest and smartest at the contest.
For the Magpies, Shannon Cox stood out with 17 generally good disposals, Scott Pendlebury (14) and Dane Swan (16) worked hard in the midfield, Thomas showed flashes of form forward, while Tarkyn Lockyer was reliable as a backman.
The Cats got off to a great start when Tom Lonergan booted their first after a free kick was awarded right in front, but the Magpies then kicked three of the next four to take back the lead.
One of those was a 50m penalty won by ruckman Chris Bryan for a nine-point conversion, but Selwood was able to reply.
The Cats then turned it on in the second, adding 6.5 to 0.1. Steve Johnson kicked the first before Chapman took a Selwood handball to goal on the run. Varcoe then kicked his first and Selwood nailed another.
Johnson marked unmanned 30m out and converted and then Ablett sent home a super-goal that was disallowed because of an infringement in the square. He booted a regulation goal moments later to make up for it.
The Cats had several more opportunities on the way to their 40-point half-time lead, but didn't capitalise on them.
The third term started in similar fashion, with the Cats booting a couple before the teams traded majors. Fifty-six points clear, the Cats turned for home.
In the last, Ablett kicked an incredible goal from 40m on the boundary only for the Pies to find a double through Thomas and Cloke.
Geelong then booted the last four, including Jimmy Bartel's celebrated say after the final siren.
The focus of both sides will now switch to round one of the season proper, with Geelong to meet Hawthorn in two weeks' time and Collingwood hosting Adelaide.
Geelong 0.3.5 0.9.10 0.13.15 0.18.19 (127)
Collingwood 1.2.2 1.2.3 1.4.5 1.6.6 (51)
GOALS
Geelong: Nine-point goals: Nil Goals: Ablett 3, S. Johnson 3, Selwood 2, Chapman 2, Lonergan 2, Stokes 2, Gamble, Varcoe, Tenace, Bartel
Collingwood: Nine-point goals: Bryan Goals: Thomas 2, Clarke, O'Bree, Beams, Cloke
BEST
Geelong: Selwood, Ablett, Chapman, Taylor, S. Johnson, Bartel
Collingwood: Cox, Thomas, Lockyer, Pendlebury
INJURIES
Geelong: Josh Hunt (knee)
Collingwood: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: McLaren, Jeffery, Donlon, M. Nicholls
Crowd: 37,277 at Docklands
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: AFL Talk
Hawks Defeat Eagles
March 14th 2009 05:28
Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson tried to put the attention on to his team but it was all about that man – Lance Franklin – after his star spearhead made an emphatic return to senior football on Friday.
Playing his first game of the pre-season at Visy Park, Franklin gathered 26 disposals and booted 4.4 to help his side power away from the West Coast Eagles.
The two teams were level for most of the day before ‘Buddy’ helped the Hawks boot 5.5 to 1.0 in the final term as his team ran away to win by 38 points.
Despite some poor kicking from both teams, Hawthorn won what was at times a scrappy affair, 13.21 (99) to 8.13 (61).
“We were pretty pleased with what [Franklin] was able to put out today,” Clarkson said after the match.
“He’s done a lot of training; he hasn’t done a lot of contact work over the summer but he’s been able to do a lot of the running work and in the last three or four weeks he’s built up his body contact.
“So he’s ready to go; he’s fit and hungry and he’s had a good pre-season but he just had less body contact and marking contests in pre-season than what he would have in the last three years, but that’s not such a bad thing.”
While Franklin played almost the full four quarters, Hawks star Luke Hodge also made a successful return.
He gathered 19 possessions in his now-customary role across half back. The Norm Smith medallist, with his right shoulder heavily strapped, did not return after three-quarter time and had ice on his left thigh, but Clarkson said Hodge had only copped a minor knock and his team had got through the clash relatively unscathed.
While Hodge went about his work in usual, mopping-up fashion, Franklin was more conspicuous.
Whenever he got the ball, the small crowd could be heard lifting their voices in anticipation – particularly later in the match as the No.23 began to exert a greater influence.
He showed on several occasions the shoulder and thumb injuries that had hampered his summer were behind him as he took several strong marks and moved with his usual zip.
He also showed little regard for Eagle opponents Mitch Brown and, for the most part, Eric Mackenzie, often playing on and taking on his less experienced rivals.
Franklin finished the day with four goals but also had a hand in at least three others.
Jarryd Roughead also provided a strong target, while at ground level there were no sign of the second-year blues for Cyril Rioli, who pounced on anything loose and looked lively throughout the match.
Brad Sewell was on and off the ground throughout the game but was his usual bullocking self when on the ball. He, along with skipper Sam Mitchell, each had 29 disposals.
Clarkson was also pleased with the performances of youngsters Ryan Schoenmakers, Beau Dowler, Garry Moss, Brendan Whitecross and rookie Riley Milne.
With the Hawks not having any injury concerns from the match, the club will now focus on which players they have to choose from for their round one clash with Geelong.
Clarkson said Trent Croad and Rick Ladson were certain to miss but the door was ajar for an influx of others to push for a recall against the Cats.
“Jordan Lewis will be an outside chance … we’ll need to make an assessment on [Stephen] Gilham,” he said.
“No matter what happens we’ll have a good competitive side that runs out there for round one.”
Dream Team watch – Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin is rated a $428,000 forward in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
Hawthorn 2.7 4.12 8.16 13.21 (99)
West Coast Eagles 1.4 4.11 7.13 8.13 (61)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Franklin 4, Rioli 2, Williams 2, Dew, Roughead, Schoenmakers, Suckling, Thorp.
West Coast Eagles: Butler 2, Lynch 2, Hansen, McKinley, Rosa, Staker.
BEST
Hawthorn: Franklin, Sewell, Guerra, Rioli, Mitchell, Young.
West Coast Eagles: Butler, Rosa, Kerr, Masten, Priddis.
Injuries
Hawthorn: Nil.
West Coast Eagles: Nil.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Chamberlain, Rosebury, Stevic.
Crowd: About 500 at Visy Park
Playing his first game of the pre-season at Visy Park, Franklin gathered 26 disposals and booted 4.4 to help his side power away from the West Coast Eagles.
The two teams were level for most of the day before ‘Buddy’ helped the Hawks boot 5.5 to 1.0 in the final term as his team ran away to win by 38 points.
Despite some poor kicking from both teams, Hawthorn won what was at times a scrappy affair, 13.21 (99) to 8.13 (61).
“We were pretty pleased with what [Franklin] was able to put out today,” Clarkson said after the match.
“He’s done a lot of training; he hasn’t done a lot of contact work over the summer but he’s been able to do a lot of the running work and in the last three or four weeks he’s built up his body contact.
“So he’s ready to go; he’s fit and hungry and he’s had a good pre-season but he just had less body contact and marking contests in pre-season than what he would have in the last three years, but that’s not such a bad thing.”
While Franklin played almost the full four quarters, Hawks star Luke Hodge also made a successful return.
He gathered 19 possessions in his now-customary role across half back. The Norm Smith medallist, with his right shoulder heavily strapped, did not return after three-quarter time and had ice on his left thigh, but Clarkson said Hodge had only copped a minor knock and his team had got through the clash relatively unscathed.
While Hodge went about his work in usual, mopping-up fashion, Franklin was more conspicuous.
Whenever he got the ball, the small crowd could be heard lifting their voices in anticipation – particularly later in the match as the No.23 began to exert a greater influence.
He showed on several occasions the shoulder and thumb injuries that had hampered his summer were behind him as he took several strong marks and moved with his usual zip.
He also showed little regard for Eagle opponents Mitch Brown and, for the most part, Eric Mackenzie, often playing on and taking on his less experienced rivals.
Franklin finished the day with four goals but also had a hand in at least three others.
Jarryd Roughead also provided a strong target, while at ground level there were no sign of the second-year blues for Cyril Rioli, who pounced on anything loose and looked lively throughout the match.
Brad Sewell was on and off the ground throughout the game but was his usual bullocking self when on the ball. He, along with skipper Sam Mitchell, each had 29 disposals.
Clarkson was also pleased with the performances of youngsters Ryan Schoenmakers, Beau Dowler, Garry Moss, Brendan Whitecross and rookie Riley Milne.
With the Hawks not having any injury concerns from the match, the club will now focus on which players they have to choose from for their round one clash with Geelong.
Clarkson said Trent Croad and Rick Ladson were certain to miss but the door was ajar for an influx of others to push for a recall against the Cats.
“Jordan Lewis will be an outside chance … we’ll need to make an assessment on [Stephen] Gilham,” he said.
“No matter what happens we’ll have a good competitive side that runs out there for round one.”
Dream Team watch – Hawthorn’s Lance Franklin is rated a $428,000 forward in Toyota AFL Dream Team 2009.
Hawthorn 2.7 4.12 8.16 13.21 (99)
West Coast Eagles 1.4 4.11 7.13 8.13 (61)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Franklin 4, Rioli 2, Williams 2, Dew, Roughead, Schoenmakers, Suckling, Thorp.
West Coast Eagles: Butler 2, Lynch 2, Hansen, McKinley, Rosa, Staker.
BEST
Hawthorn: Franklin, Sewell, Guerra, Rioli, Mitchell, Young.
West Coast Eagles: Butler, Rosa, Kerr, Masten, Priddis.
Injuries
Hawthorn: Nil.
West Coast Eagles: Nil.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Chamberlain, Rosebury, Stevic.
Crowd: About 500 at Visy Park
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: AFL Talk
Queensland Pledges $60 Million To Gold Coast Football Stadium
March 9th 2009 13:11
The Queensland government's announcement of $60 million towards the cost of a 23,000-seat stadium for Carrara would appear to have removed any doubt the AFL will grant its 17th licence to the Gold Coast.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou all but confirmed in a statement released on Monday afternoon that the licence would be granted to the GC17 bid consortium when the AFL Commission meets later this month.
"The funding announcement will pave the way for a final decision by the AFL Commission on the Gold Coast licence," the statement read, adding that Demetriou expected the item to be 'top of the agenda' at the mid-March meeting.
Ahead of the March 21 state election, Queensland premier Anna Bligh on Monday took her campaign to the tourist haven to announce that, if re-elected, her government would go further into debt to build the $130 million AFL stadium.
Queensland's share of the cost would be $60 million, Gold Coast City Council has pledged $20 million, with the AFL and Federal government to make up the difference.
"If these conditions are fulfilled - and I have every reason to believe they will be - Gold Coasters will get a new Aussie Rules team to cheer and a new home to cheer them in," Ms Bligh said.
The AFL has already committed to establish and underwrite a team this season in the Victorian-based TAC under-18 competition under senior coach Guy McKenna, the first step in developing a club to be ready for AFL participation by 2011.
The guarantee of funding to upgrade the Carrara facility from a current capacity of 8000 to 25,000, as well as improving a number of player and administration facilities, would seem to be the final piece in the puzzle.
Demetriou stopped short of saying the John Witheriff-led GC17 team would get the nod from the AFL Commission, and also said discussions with the Federal government over securing their support for the project were ongoing.
He said the key point in securing the Queensland government's funding was the importance of local sporting infrastructure in attracting sports and events that can generate ongoing jobs and economic activity.
“The Gold Coast community, local businesses and sports-lovers have all provided extraordinary support for the Gold Coast Football Club because they recognise that, as well as a sporting team that encourages young people to be active and healthy, there are strong economic benefits of a side on the Gold Coast bringing in tourism dollars and jobs,” Demetriou said.
“The key discussion point with the State Government was what the redevelopment of Gold Coast Stadium would mean in terms of generating both immediate and long-term jobs on the Gold Coast for Gold Coast families."
According to the League's statement, a Queensland study on the economic impact of a Gold Coast-based AFL side found that when the club was up and running at full capacity it would generate more than 400 local jobs and economic activity of $34 million a year.
Over 92 per cent of this would flow to non-AFL businesses.
“A local club competing in a national competition and playing out of a quality stadium, bring tourists, economic activity and jobs, particularly during the quieter winter months,” Demetriou said.
“I also want to thank John Witheriff and his team for harnessing the support of more than 42,000 people who have given their support to the formation of an AFL team on the Gold Coast.
"This decision is a vindication of the support of Gold Coast families," he said.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou all but confirmed in a statement released on Monday afternoon that the licence would be granted to the GC17 bid consortium when the AFL Commission meets later this month.
"The funding announcement will pave the way for a final decision by the AFL Commission on the Gold Coast licence," the statement read, adding that Demetriou expected the item to be 'top of the agenda' at the mid-March meeting.
Ahead of the March 21 state election, Queensland premier Anna Bligh on Monday took her campaign to the tourist haven to announce that, if re-elected, her government would go further into debt to build the $130 million AFL stadium.
Queensland's share of the cost would be $60 million, Gold Coast City Council has pledged $20 million, with the AFL and Federal government to make up the difference.
"If these conditions are fulfilled - and I have every reason to believe they will be - Gold Coasters will get a new Aussie Rules team to cheer and a new home to cheer them in," Ms Bligh said.
The AFL has already committed to establish and underwrite a team this season in the Victorian-based TAC under-18 competition under senior coach Guy McKenna, the first step in developing a club to be ready for AFL participation by 2011.
The guarantee of funding to upgrade the Carrara facility from a current capacity of 8000 to 25,000, as well as improving a number of player and administration facilities, would seem to be the final piece in the puzzle.
Demetriou stopped short of saying the John Witheriff-led GC17 team would get the nod from the AFL Commission, and also said discussions with the Federal government over securing their support for the project were ongoing.
He said the key point in securing the Queensland government's funding was the importance of local sporting infrastructure in attracting sports and events that can generate ongoing jobs and economic activity.
“The Gold Coast community, local businesses and sports-lovers have all provided extraordinary support for the Gold Coast Football Club because they recognise that, as well as a sporting team that encourages young people to be active and healthy, there are strong economic benefits of a side on the Gold Coast bringing in tourism dollars and jobs,” Demetriou said.
“The key discussion point with the State Government was what the redevelopment of Gold Coast Stadium would mean in terms of generating both immediate and long-term jobs on the Gold Coast for Gold Coast families."
According to the League's statement, a Queensland study on the economic impact of a Gold Coast-based AFL side found that when the club was up and running at full capacity it would generate more than 400 local jobs and economic activity of $34 million a year.
Over 92 per cent of this would flow to non-AFL businesses.
“A local club competing in a national competition and playing out of a quality stadium, bring tourists, economic activity and jobs, particularly during the quieter winter months,” Demetriou said.
“I also want to thank John Witheriff and his team for harnessing the support of more than 42,000 people who have given their support to the formation of an AFL team on the Gold Coast.
"This decision is a vindication of the support of Gold Coast families," he said.
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NAB Cup Semi-final Magpies Defeat Bombers
March 6th 2009 13:25
A seven goal haul from young forward John Anthony has inspired Collingwood to a 43-point win in its NAB Cup semi-final clash against Essendon at Docklands on Friday night.
The Magpies defeated the Bombers, 1.17.5 (116) to 3.6.10 (73), in front of a crowd of 26,154 to book a place in next weekend’s NAB Cup Grand Final against either Carlton or Geelong.
Collingwood is now aiming for its first pre-season/night series win since 1979, back when Tom Hafey was coach, Ray Shaw was skipper and the competition was known as the Escort Cup.
The Magpies led at every change, but it was their four-goal advantage at quarter-time and the efforts of Anthony that proved most vital in the overall result.
Anthony, now in his fourth AFL-listed season, booted the first goal of the night and added five goals in the second half to record his best effort in an official AFL match.
Collingwood duo Martin Clarke and Dane Swan gained 24 disposals, while Dale Thomas and Shannon Cox were also good contributors.
Brent Stanton was Essendon's leading ball-winner with 24 touches, while Bachar Houli (22) was the only other Don to collect 20-plus disposals.
The Magpies controlled the opening quarter with six goals – including a super-goal to Dayne Beams – as the Dons posted two majors. As a result, Collingwood took a 25-point lead into the first change.
Essendon added just two goals in the second term – although Paddy Ryder contributed a nine-point long-bomb – yet Collingwood added another four goals, extending its lead to 34 points at the long break.
The Dons wasted some opportunities in front of goal, including one from ex-Crow Hayden Skipworth, who floated a set-shot kick on the full, from well inside 50.
A six-pointer from Scott Lucas and a super-goal courtesy of Dyson early in the second half helped reduce the margin back to 23 points, but when the Pies added three in a row, it was always going to be tough for the Dons.
And when Anthony landed his fifth at the 26-minute mark of the third term, the Magpies were up by 40 points heading into the final term.
Although ruckman Tom Bellchambers kicked truly in the opening minute of the final term, giving the Dons a faint sniff, it wasn't until mid-way through the term when they added their next major via skipper Matthew Lloyd.
Anthony then bobbed up with two more soon after and the Pies were well and truly home.
In another positive for the Magpies, debutants Steele Sidebottom and Jaxson Barham looked comfortable at AFL level in their first hitouts for the club.
Barham showed no hesitation, tearing into contests and throwing his weight around, while first-round pick Sidebottom patrolled the midfield and forward line to finish with 19 possessions.
Meanwhile, tall defender Michael Hurley and midfielder David Zaharakis – selected by Essendon at No.5 and No.23 respectively in last year's NAB AFL Draft – also played their first games.
The highly-rated Hurley had a tough first night at the office, spending some time on Anthony, as Zaharakis collected four disposals.
Essendon will play North Melbourne in the final week of the NAB Challenge next Friday night at its VFL affiliate venue Bendigo.
Collingwood 1.5.1 1.9.4 1.14.4 1.17.5 (116)
Essendon 0.2.3 1.3.6 2.5.9 3.6.10 (73)
GOALS
Collingwood: Nine-point goals: Beams. Goals: Anthony 7, Bryan 2, Thomas 2, Didak 2, Davis, Lockyer, Pendlebury, Cloke.
Essendon: Nine-point goals: Ryder, Dyson, Lloyd. Goals: Dyson, Williams, Hille, Lucas, Dempsey, Bellchambers.
BEST
Collingwood: Anthony, Bryan, Goldsack, Davis, Didak, Cox, Sidebottom.
Essendon: Dyson, Hille, Houli, Winderlich, Stanton.
INJURIES
Collingwood: Shaw (back)
Essendon: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: M Nicholls, S Ryan, S Jeffery
Crowd: 26,154 at Telstra Dome
The Magpies defeated the Bombers, 1.17.5 (116) to 3.6.10 (73), in front of a crowd of 26,154 to book a place in next weekend’s NAB Cup Grand Final against either Carlton or Geelong.
Collingwood is now aiming for its first pre-season/night series win since 1979, back when Tom Hafey was coach, Ray Shaw was skipper and the competition was known as the Escort Cup.
The Magpies led at every change, but it was their four-goal advantage at quarter-time and the efforts of Anthony that proved most vital in the overall result.
Anthony, now in his fourth AFL-listed season, booted the first goal of the night and added five goals in the second half to record his best effort in an official AFL match.
Collingwood duo Martin Clarke and Dane Swan gained 24 disposals, while Dale Thomas and Shannon Cox were also good contributors.
Brent Stanton was Essendon's leading ball-winner with 24 touches, while Bachar Houli (22) was the only other Don to collect 20-plus disposals.
The Magpies controlled the opening quarter with six goals – including a super-goal to Dayne Beams – as the Dons posted two majors. As a result, Collingwood took a 25-point lead into the first change.
Essendon added just two goals in the second term – although Paddy Ryder contributed a nine-point long-bomb – yet Collingwood added another four goals, extending its lead to 34 points at the long break.
The Dons wasted some opportunities in front of goal, including one from ex-Crow Hayden Skipworth, who floated a set-shot kick on the full, from well inside 50.
A six-pointer from Scott Lucas and a super-goal courtesy of Dyson early in the second half helped reduce the margin back to 23 points, but when the Pies added three in a row, it was always going to be tough for the Dons.
And when Anthony landed his fifth at the 26-minute mark of the third term, the Magpies were up by 40 points heading into the final term.
Although ruckman Tom Bellchambers kicked truly in the opening minute of the final term, giving the Dons a faint sniff, it wasn't until mid-way through the term when they added their next major via skipper Matthew Lloyd.
Anthony then bobbed up with two more soon after and the Pies were well and truly home.
In another positive for the Magpies, debutants Steele Sidebottom and Jaxson Barham looked comfortable at AFL level in their first hitouts for the club.
Barham showed no hesitation, tearing into contests and throwing his weight around, while first-round pick Sidebottom patrolled the midfield and forward line to finish with 19 possessions.
Meanwhile, tall defender Michael Hurley and midfielder David Zaharakis – selected by Essendon at No.5 and No.23 respectively in last year's NAB AFL Draft – also played their first games.
The highly-rated Hurley had a tough first night at the office, spending some time on Anthony, as Zaharakis collected four disposals.
Essendon will play North Melbourne in the final week of the NAB Challenge next Friday night at its VFL affiliate venue Bendigo.
Collingwood 1.5.1 1.9.4 1.14.4 1.17.5 (116)
Essendon 0.2.3 1.3.6 2.5.9 3.6.10 (73)
GOALS
Collingwood: Nine-point goals: Beams. Goals: Anthony 7, Bryan 2, Thomas 2, Didak 2, Davis, Lockyer, Pendlebury, Cloke.
Essendon: Nine-point goals: Ryder, Dyson, Lloyd. Goals: Dyson, Williams, Hille, Lucas, Dempsey, Bellchambers.
BEST
Collingwood: Anthony, Bryan, Goldsack, Davis, Didak, Cox, Sidebottom.
Essendon: Dyson, Hille, Houli, Winderlich, Stanton.
INJURIES
Collingwood: Shaw (back)
Essendon: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: M Nicholls, S Ryan, S Jeffery
Crowd: 26,154 at Telstra Dome
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: No Category
NAB Cup Round 2 Cats Defeat Power
February 28th 2009 21:13
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams says inaccurate goalkicking and a lopsided first half free kick count “wrecked” his side against Geelong on Saturday afternoon.
The Power matched the Cats for intensity throughout the 18-point loss, but attracted the attention of the umpires in the process.
At least three of Geelong’s 11 goals at AAMI Stadium came as a result of free kicks.
Port Adelaide struggled with the same free kick affliction last season and Williams suggested having the umpires over to Alberton to help sort out the lingering issue.
“The free-kick-count was 15-5 at half time and that absolutely wrecked us as. They had shots on goals from free kicks and that really does hurt you. It also stops the momentum of the side, so we have to get better at that,” Williams said after the game.
“Some of them (the free kicks) were questionable, so you’d like to be able to talk to (the umpiring coaches). There are a lot of development umpires out there so they’re going to make mistakes and you can’t do much about that.
“It’s really difficult to get the umpires out to training; we’ve tried. We want to get some of the Victorian umpires over to Adelaide, so that they become aware of our players, know who they are and get some sort of relationship with them because we want to have even footy in that regard.”
Only one point separated the two teams at half time, but the Cats kicked away with six goals to two in the second half.
A tricky breeze made things difficult, but Williams said there was no excuse for the eight behinds his side kicked after the main break.
“We were probably in the game until the last 10 minutes, but we kicked six or seven points-in a row. If you want to keep in the game, don’t ever score that many points in a row. It does knock everything around and it doesn’t add to the flow of the game for your side.”
“We marked the ball more inside 50 than they did and if you look at the hardball-gets loose ball gets, contested marks, clearances and you add those things together, we were very much on the money”.
The Power will be without young gun Hamish Hartlett for two weeks with the classy onballer suffering an AC joint injury in a fierce tackle from Ryan Gamble.
But former skipper Warren Tredrea, who pulled out of the side citing general soreness, should be available next week.
The Power matched the Cats for intensity throughout the 18-point loss, but attracted the attention of the umpires in the process.
At least three of Geelong’s 11 goals at AAMI Stadium came as a result of free kicks.
Port Adelaide struggled with the same free kick affliction last season and Williams suggested having the umpires over to Alberton to help sort out the lingering issue.
“The free-kick-count was 15-5 at half time and that absolutely wrecked us as. They had shots on goals from free kicks and that really does hurt you. It also stops the momentum of the side, so we have to get better at that,” Williams said after the game.
“Some of them (the free kicks) were questionable, so you’d like to be able to talk to (the umpiring coaches). There are a lot of development umpires out there so they’re going to make mistakes and you can’t do much about that.
“It’s really difficult to get the umpires out to training; we’ve tried. We want to get some of the Victorian umpires over to Adelaide, so that they become aware of our players, know who they are and get some sort of relationship with them because we want to have even footy in that regard.”
Only one point separated the two teams at half time, but the Cats kicked away with six goals to two in the second half.
A tricky breeze made things difficult, but Williams said there was no excuse for the eight behinds his side kicked after the main break.
“We were probably in the game until the last 10 minutes, but we kicked six or seven points-in a row. If you want to keep in the game, don’t ever score that many points in a row. It does knock everything around and it doesn’t add to the flow of the game for your side.”
“We marked the ball more inside 50 than they did and if you look at the hardball-gets loose ball gets, contested marks, clearances and you add those things together, we were very much on the money”.
The Power will be without young gun Hamish Hartlett for two weeks with the classy onballer suffering an AC joint injury in a fierce tackle from Ryan Gamble.
But former skipper Warren Tredrea, who pulled out of the side citing general soreness, should be available next week.
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: No Category
NAB Challenge Round 1 Kangaroos Defeat Dockers
February 28th 2009 08:45
North Melbourne has erased the memories of last week's performance against Carlton by thrashing Fremantle by 97 points in their NAB Challenge match at Manuka Oval on Saturday.
Stand-in coach Darren Crocker, who was handed the reins by Dean Laidley this week, said the 23.11 (149) to 8.4 (52) win was predictable given the way the Roos had prepared for the match.
"Last week's performance was unacceptable," Crocker said.
"It was just the effort and work rate and that was addressed throughout the week.
"We had a good week on the track and you just knew the way the boys prepared this week that the effort and the intensity was going to be a hell of a lot better."
North marched away from Fremantle with a seven-goal second term when their physical superiority began to show.
In the second half, Fremantle had nothing left to give and were virtual spectators to the onslaught.
The young Fremantle side toiled hard but was outmuscled and outrun by a desperate opposition clearly committed to putting on an improved display.
Daniel Wells was a constant source of inspiration for his teammates in North's first visit to Canberra since abandoning their near decade-long commitment to playing regular season matches in the nation's capital in 2006.
Drew Petrie provided a target in the forward line kicking five goals while the skilful Lindsay Thomas proved a constant nightmare for Fremantle defenders, finishing with four goals.
Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said the youth of his side left them exposed to an opponent keen to impress.
"We probably had an overload of kids and that (the score) is a direct result," Harvey said.
"That's not taking anything away from the Kangaroos.
"They are obviously rebounding quite quickly after their result last week."
Harvey said he would persist with his experimental line-up which includes opportunities for young players and using former forward Chris Tarrant in defence.
"We can all have long and hard pre-seasons but it's not until you get into a game that you work out what you have to do to be an elite player at this level," he said.
"We had six or seven first gamers today and that's where we are at."
North Melbourne 4.3 11.6 17.9 23.11 (149)
Fremantle 2.1 4.4 7.4 8.4 (52)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Petrie 5, Thomas, Ross 3, Campbell, McIntosh, Josh Smith, Watt 2, Hansen, Wells, Goldstein
Fremantle: Grover 2, Solomon, O'Brien, Dodd, Clarke, Sibosado, Peake
BEST
North Melbourne: Thomas, Wells, Petrie, Anthony, McIntosh, Campbell, Ziebell
Fremantle: Palmer, Crowley, Gilmore, Dodd
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Fremantle: Ibbotson (corked thigh), O'Brien (shoulder)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 1661 at Manuka Oval
AAP
Stand-in coach Darren Crocker, who was handed the reins by Dean Laidley this week, said the 23.11 (149) to 8.4 (52) win was predictable given the way the Roos had prepared for the match.
"Last week's performance was unacceptable," Crocker said.
"It was just the effort and work rate and that was addressed throughout the week.
"We had a good week on the track and you just knew the way the boys prepared this week that the effort and the intensity was going to be a hell of a lot better."
North marched away from Fremantle with a seven-goal second term when their physical superiority began to show.
In the second half, Fremantle had nothing left to give and were virtual spectators to the onslaught.
The young Fremantle side toiled hard but was outmuscled and outrun by a desperate opposition clearly committed to putting on an improved display.
Daniel Wells was a constant source of inspiration for his teammates in North's first visit to Canberra since abandoning their near decade-long commitment to playing regular season matches in the nation's capital in 2006.
Drew Petrie provided a target in the forward line kicking five goals while the skilful Lindsay Thomas proved a constant nightmare for Fremantle defenders, finishing with four goals.
Fremantle coach Mark Harvey said the youth of his side left them exposed to an opponent keen to impress.
"We probably had an overload of kids and that (the score) is a direct result," Harvey said.
"That's not taking anything away from the Kangaroos.
"They are obviously rebounding quite quickly after their result last week."
Harvey said he would persist with his experimental line-up which includes opportunities for young players and using former forward Chris Tarrant in defence.
"We can all have long and hard pre-seasons but it's not until you get into a game that you work out what you have to do to be an elite player at this level," he said.
"We had six or seven first gamers today and that's where we are at."
North Melbourne 4.3 11.6 17.9 23.11 (149)
Fremantle 2.1 4.4 7.4 8.4 (52)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Petrie 5, Thomas, Ross 3, Campbell, McIntosh, Josh Smith, Watt 2, Hansen, Wells, Goldstein
Fremantle: Grover 2, Solomon, O'Brien, Dodd, Clarke, Sibosado, Peake
BEST
North Melbourne: Thomas, Wells, Petrie, Anthony, McIntosh, Campbell, Ziebell
Fremantle: Palmer, Crowley, Gilmore, Dodd
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Nil
Fremantle: Ibbotson (corked thigh), O'Brien (shoulder)
Reports: Nil
Crowd: 1661 at Manuka Oval
AAP
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: No Category
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