Oracle of Delphi
Craig Hill
AFL Round 2 Results
April 6th 2009 07:48
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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
| 21 |
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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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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: No Category
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.
| 36 |
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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
NAB Challenge Round 1 Swans Defeat Demons
February 28th 2009 08:34
Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos has praised the performances of international rookie-listed players Mike Pyke and Brendan Murphy after the side's eight-point win over Melbourne at Visy Park on Saturday.
The Swans defeated the Demons 9.9 (63) to 8.7 (55) in the first round of the NAB Challenge matches.
Former Canadian rugby representative Pyke impressed in the ruck and also chipped in with a goal, which earned the plaudits from Roos post-match.
"I liked his goal – it was good. He's been terrific and he's still learning, but his ruck work has been really solid," Roos said.
"Against some young ruckmen today he dominated the contests at times, so it's a real credit to him. But he's a bigger body than some of the younger kids he's playing.
"But to pick up the game like he has, he's still unsure when the ball's on the ground and he's got to work on other areas. But he's made some significant advances for a guy who hadn't played the game up until a week or two weeks ago."
Murphy, a second-year rookie from Ireland, also caught the eye of his coach.
"He did some really good things. He came in a little underdone, but we were very keen to play him and get him out and get him running out and playing against senior company," Roos said.
"He came on and off the ground a bit, but he showed some really good signs. At times he showed he was a little bit tired and made a few mistakes, but I thought there were some real positives for him as well."
Roos was also pleased with the efforts of former Magpie Rhyce Shaw, who crossed to the Swans in October's exchange period.
"He's been really good. What we need to do with Rhyce now – he's been training for a while and pretty hard before he got to us – is make sure we don't exhaust him over the next two weeks," Roos said.
"So we'll probably try and give him a bit of a rest and maybe play him for half a game next week and a full game the week after, but he's been very good."
Dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes was one of the Swans' best with 20 touches while Amon Buchanan had 20 of his own. Youngster Craig Bird had 19 possessions.
Hard-at-it midfielder Jude Bolton and versatile tall Ed Barlow kicked two goals each, with singles to Jarred Moore, Ryan O'Keefe, Pyke, Nick Smith and Jesse White.
Overall, Roos said there were some good signs from the hit-out.
"We got more out of it this week. One thing with Melbourne, even though they're a little undermanned than us, you know they're fit. They're a young team, they're running and they've been training for a long time," Roos said.
"Today it was more to test our fitness. I thought at times, they looked fitter than us and they outran us, but then at times our senior core was able to claw it back and work through and that's what you want to see at this time of the year.
"Certainly from our senior players there were some really good signs. [Jarrad] McVeigh is in really good form and young Shawy has come in and given us some real run that we'd hoped. Hally [Barry Hall] looked pretty sharp early.
"The next two weeks are really critical and then you start to get your team together next week and the week after."
Sydney Swans 1.3 3.5 6.7 9.9 (63)
Melbourne 3.1 3.2 6.5 8.7 (55)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: Barlow, J. Bolton 2, O'Keefe, White, Moore, Pyke, Smith
Melbourne: Sylvia 2, Miller, Morton, McDonald, Newton, Davey, Jetta
BEST
Sydney Swans: Goodes, McVeigh, Bird, Buchanan, Mattner
Melbourne: Sylvia, Grimes, Martin, Bruce
INJURIES
Sydney Swans: Nil
Melbourne: Bell (corked thigh)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Vozzo, Statham, Gestier
The Swans defeated the Demons 9.9 (63) to 8.7 (55) in the first round of the NAB Challenge matches.
Former Canadian rugby representative Pyke impressed in the ruck and also chipped in with a goal, which earned the plaudits from Roos post-match.
"I liked his goal – it was good. He's been terrific and he's still learning, but his ruck work has been really solid," Roos said.
"Against some young ruckmen today he dominated the contests at times, so it's a real credit to him. But he's a bigger body than some of the younger kids he's playing.
"But to pick up the game like he has, he's still unsure when the ball's on the ground and he's got to work on other areas. But he's made some significant advances for a guy who hadn't played the game up until a week or two weeks ago."
Murphy, a second-year rookie from Ireland, also caught the eye of his coach.
"He did some really good things. He came in a little underdone, but we were very keen to play him and get him out and get him running out and playing against senior company," Roos said.
"He came on and off the ground a bit, but he showed some really good signs. At times he showed he was a little bit tired and made a few mistakes, but I thought there were some real positives for him as well."
Roos was also pleased with the efforts of former Magpie Rhyce Shaw, who crossed to the Swans in October's exchange period.
"He's been really good. What we need to do with Rhyce now – he's been training for a while and pretty hard before he got to us – is make sure we don't exhaust him over the next two weeks," Roos said.
"So we'll probably try and give him a bit of a rest and maybe play him for half a game next week and a full game the week after, but he's been very good."
Dual Brownlow Medallist Adam Goodes was one of the Swans' best with 20 touches while Amon Buchanan had 20 of his own. Youngster Craig Bird had 19 possessions.
Hard-at-it midfielder Jude Bolton and versatile tall Ed Barlow kicked two goals each, with singles to Jarred Moore, Ryan O'Keefe, Pyke, Nick Smith and Jesse White.
Overall, Roos said there were some good signs from the hit-out.
"We got more out of it this week. One thing with Melbourne, even though they're a little undermanned than us, you know they're fit. They're a young team, they're running and they've been training for a long time," Roos said.
"Today it was more to test our fitness. I thought at times, they looked fitter than us and they outran us, but then at times our senior core was able to claw it back and work through and that's what you want to see at this time of the year.
"Certainly from our senior players there were some really good signs. [Jarrad] McVeigh is in really good form and young Shawy has come in and given us some real run that we'd hoped. Hally [Barry Hall] looked pretty sharp early.
"The next two weeks are really critical and then you start to get your team together next week and the week after."
Sydney Swans 1.3 3.5 6.7 9.9 (63)
Melbourne 3.1 3.2 6.5 8.7 (55)
GOALS
Sydney Swans: Barlow, J. Bolton 2, O'Keefe, White, Moore, Pyke, Smith
Melbourne: Sylvia 2, Miller, Morton, McDonald, Newton, Davey, Jetta
BEST
Sydney Swans: Goodes, McVeigh, Bird, Buchanan, Mattner
Melbourne: Sylvia, Grimes, Martin, Bruce
INJURIES
Sydney Swans: Nil
Melbourne: Bell (corked thigh)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Vozzo, Statham, Gestier
| 26 |
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: No Category
NAB Cup Round 2 Bombers Defeat Lions
February 27th 2009 22:49
Essendon coach Matthew Knights believes his side still has plenty of work to do despite showing enough composure to win two games by less than a goal in the space of two weeks.
The Bombers' two-point win over the Brisbane Lions on Friday night came just a fortnight after the side triumphed over the Western Bulldogs by just one point in the NAB Cup.
Knights said while he was pleased to see his players hang on to the narrow wins, he wants them to focus more on finishing strongly.
"It's good to win these games but we can still play better in the last half of the last quarter," he said.
"What we spoke about after the game was two or three times, we got out to 18 points up and then we just let easy 'outs' happen.
"We let them back into the game quickly rather than pushing it out to a five or six goal margin, and we've got to be better than that as a side."
Knights conceded Friday's game was "ugly", considering its low-scoring, zone-orientated nature that was dominated by bad kicking and skill errors.
He said football fans might have to get used to "patient" football as more teams attempt to work defensive zones into their plans.
"There was no flow in the game whatsoever. It was fairly measured from both teams, with both teams trying to work through a zone scenario for most of the night," he said.
"There was a lot of what you'd call patient football. I wouldn't call it exhilarating football by any stretch of the imagination.
"You just can't rush through zones at 100 miles an hour without any plan or numbers otherwise it's just going to get kicked back over your head for a goal.
"As a football community and for the people watching on television, it wouldn't have been a very good spectacle, but the game is becoming more tactical and more patient.
"It was just a very patient game and the scoring was very low, and we were very fortunate to win in the end."
He said the Bombers' forward line "didn't function", but wouldn't blame the excitement surrounding the games of young guns Scott Gumbleton and Jay Neagle two weeks ago on why the pair failed to fire.
"It's part of being an AFL footballer; you've got to expect there's going to be a bit of hype if you have a decent game, so they've got to get used to that," he said.
"It's not a cop out for them. Our forward line didn't function at all. We didn't get any opportunities in the air or on the ground, and we didn't capitalise on anything."
The Bombers' two-point win over the Brisbane Lions on Friday night came just a fortnight after the side triumphed over the Western Bulldogs by just one point in the NAB Cup.
Knights said while he was pleased to see his players hang on to the narrow wins, he wants them to focus more on finishing strongly.
"It's good to win these games but we can still play better in the last half of the last quarter," he said.
"What we spoke about after the game was two or three times, we got out to 18 points up and then we just let easy 'outs' happen.
"We let them back into the game quickly rather than pushing it out to a five or six goal margin, and we've got to be better than that as a side."
Knights conceded Friday's game was "ugly", considering its low-scoring, zone-orientated nature that was dominated by bad kicking and skill errors.
He said football fans might have to get used to "patient" football as more teams attempt to work defensive zones into their plans.
"There was no flow in the game whatsoever. It was fairly measured from both teams, with both teams trying to work through a zone scenario for most of the night," he said.
"There was a lot of what you'd call patient football. I wouldn't call it exhilarating football by any stretch of the imagination.
"You just can't rush through zones at 100 miles an hour without any plan or numbers otherwise it's just going to get kicked back over your head for a goal.
"As a football community and for the people watching on television, it wouldn't have been a very good spectacle, but the game is becoming more tactical and more patient.
"It was just a very patient game and the scoring was very low, and we were very fortunate to win in the end."
He said the Bombers' forward line "didn't function", but wouldn't blame the excitement surrounding the games of young guns Scott Gumbleton and Jay Neagle two weeks ago on why the pair failed to fire.
"It's part of being an AFL footballer; you've got to expect there's going to be a bit of hype if you have a decent game, so they've got to get used to that," he said.
"It's not a cop out for them. Our forward line didn't function at all. We didn't get any opportunities in the air or on the ground, and we didn't capitalise on anything."
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Posted By: Oracle of Delphi - Category: No Category
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