| * |
Geelong extended
their winning streak to 11, their best run since 1953 as they dismantled
the Western Bulldogs before a near-packed house at Docklands Stadium on
a chilly Friday night – the 44,688 welcomed the closed roof. The Cats
set up the 75-point victory with an eight-goal-to-three first quarter as
the Bulldogs found themselves unable to match Geelong in every facet of
the game.
Andrew Wu noted for Sportal: The only shining light in an
otherwise dismal night for the Bulldogs were youngsters Andrejs
Everitt, who showed poise beyond his 18 years, and Tom Williams,
while the Cats, led by Jimmy Bartel and Gary Ablett, had
winners all around the ground.
Len Johnson reviewed the match for The Age: The Cats did
the damage early and late. Their handling was sharp and precise, and
their disposal clinically accurate during a 13-goals-to-four first half.
Then, after a lull in which they kicked only two goals from their next
14 scoring shots, they closed the game with four straight goals and a
rushed behind.
Ablett and Bartel were brilliant for the winners – Cameron Mooney's
four goals in the first quarter and a bit gave them a dominant forward
target and Andrew Mackie ran and carried the ball with telling
effect all night.
For the Bulldogs, it was a night to forget. They had injuries –
Lindsay Gilbee appeared to damage his knee again – but the result
only emphasised the relative seachange in the teams' fortunes since
round one. Then, the Dogs' 20-point win confirmed pre-season perceptions
that they were the Victorian club most likely, while the Cats continued
to be mired in mediocrity.
Now, the Cats are sweeping all before them, a real threat to take their
first flag since 1963, and the Dogs are in the mid-ladder fight for
scraps.
Andrew Wu was penetrating in his summary – Shell-shocked and
occasionally panic-stricken, the Bulldogs, at time resembling boys
against men in the opening half, were mercilessly dismantled by a
Geelong outfit which played with confidence and selflessness.
Time and again in the first half, the Cats – thanks to their willingness
to play on, almost at all costs, and confidence to use the corridor when
coming out of defence – left the Bulldogs flailing in their wake. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME
1 |
|
Geelong v Western Bulldogs |
Friday (n),
July 20, 2007
Docklands, 7.40pm AEST, Roof: closed, crowd:
44,688
Conditions: Fair to good on new
centre surface strip
Weather: 10C outside; drizzle clearing |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| GEE |
8.2-50 (31) |
13.6-84 (56) |
15.11-101 (57) |
20.18-138 (75) |
| WB |
3.1-19 |
4.4-28 |
6.8-44 |
9.9-63 |
Goals:
Geelong: Cameron
Mooney 4, Paul Chapman 2, Joel Corey 2, David Johnson 2,
Andrew Mackie 2, Joel Selwood 2, Mathew Stokes 2, Gary
Ablett, Corey Enright, Steve Johnson, Cameron Ling.
West.B'dogs: Brad Johnson 3, Andrejs Everitt 2, Ryan
Hargrave 2, Nathan Eagleton, Ryan Murphy
Best: Geelong: Gary Ablett, Jimmy Bartel, Cameron
Mooney, Andrew Mackie, Darren Milburn, Corey Enright,
Joel Selwood. West.B'dogs: Andrejs Everitt, Tom
Williams, Brad Johnson, Matthew Boyd.
Umpires: Michael Vozzo, Scott McLaren, Michael Avon.
Report:
The MRP proceeded with the match day report by
umpire Michael Vozzo. Adam Cooney (WB) was
charged with striking Cameron Ling (Gee) in Q3.
The MRP offered Cooney with an early plea a reprimand
for a level-two offence and 93.75 points towards his
future record. Cooney admitted guilt and accepted the
MRP penalty. |
Collingwood
strengthened its position in the top eight and dealt Essendon a major
blow with a solid 29-point win in generally fine conditions on Saturday
afternoon at the MCG before a crowd of 65,531. After opening up a
45-point break late in the second term, the Magpies' lead was pegged
back to 10 points when the Bombers struck with an eight-goal third
quarter.
Angus Morgan reported for Sportal: The Magpies dominated
the first half on the strength of a better brand of contest footy.
Travis Cloke's powerful marking earned him two first-quarter goals
while Tarkyn Lockyer maintained his uncanny ability to get his
hands on the ball. Lockyer racked-up 19 touches in the first half and
his eight marks took him back to the top of the competition standings
for 2007 for that stat – not bad for a Collingwood six-footer.
The only time the Bombers genuinely
controlled the tempo in the first half was a brief five-minute spell at
the start of the second quarter when Damien Peverill, Matthew
Lloyd and Scott Lucas slotted three in-a-row.
Collingwood replied with the next six,
however, the best of them was a snap from Leon Davis that was set
up by crunching tackles from Cloke and Scott Burns on Andrew
Lovett and Dustin Fletcher. Forty-five points up at the
24-minute mark, it looked how far Collingwood.
Perhaps mindful of the impact a thumping
would have on his prospects, Kevin Sheedy swung Mark McVeigh
forward in the third quarter with instant results. The hard-working
utility scored two goals in the first three minutes as the Bombers went
on to register eight for the term, their best return for a single
quarter this season.
Lloyd played his part with two and there
were two also from Lovett, who returned to the fray after spending
almost two quarters on the bench nursing a heavily strapped shoulder
after coming off second-best in a heavy body clash with Josh Fraser
mid-way through the first term.
The upshot is that Essendon had edged to
within 15 points at the last change and when Ricky Dyson was
first to goal in the final term, there was just 10 points in it. But the
Magpies struck back with goals to Anthony Rocca, Fraser and Davis
to make the result safe. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME 2 |
| Collingwood v
Essendon |
Saturday,
July 21, 2007
MCG, 2.10pm AEST, crowd: 65,531
Conditions: Generally good
Weather: 11C – early fog cleared to winter sunshine |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| COL |
5.4-34 (26) |
11.8-74 (39) |
15.11-101
(15) |
18.14-122
(29) |
| ESS |
1.2-8 |
5.5-35 |
13.8-86 |
14.9-93 |
Goals: Collingwood:
Leon Davis 4, Anthony Rocca 4, Travis Cloke 3, Scott Pendlebury 2, Dale
Thomas, Paul Licuria, Alan Didak, Josh Fraser, Tarkyn Lockyer.
Essendon: Scott Lucas 4, Matthew Lloyd 3, Mark McVeigh 2, Andrew
Lovett 2, Damien Peverill, Angus Monfries, Ricky Dyson.
Best: Collingwood: Travis Cloke, Leon Davis, Tarkyn Lockyer,
Scott Pendlebury, Josh Fraser, Dale Thomas. Essendon: Mark
McVeigh, Jobe Watson, David Hille, Scott Lucas, Matthew Lloyd.
Umpires: Shaun Ryan, Scott Jeffery, Shane McInerney. |
Playing as if their
lives were on the line, Fremantle swept Mark Harvey to a
successful debut as caretaker coach of the Dockers with a 25-point win
over Adelaide at Football Park on a cool and sunny Saturday afternoon.
Helped by Matthew Pavlich's five goals, Freo stunned the Crows to
gain only their third victory in 12 matches against the Crows in
Adelaide and their highest score in all 21 against them. It also kept
alive Fremantle's slim chances of making this year's finals.
Ashley Porter in his review for The Age noted: Pre-season
we knew the Dockers were good – it just took a week of turmoil, with the
departure of coach Chris Connolly, to finally bring their best
out. "Sleepers" who had earlier failed to live up to reputations became
alive, including former captain Peter Bell (playing his 300th
game), add Paul Hasleby, Antoni Grover, Ryan Crowley,
Robert Warnock and Des Headland to a long list of
born-again Dockers. Fremantle was incredibly determined, prepared to
take risks, well disciplined, and team oriented.
Alan Shiell noted for Sportal: The
lead changed four times in the opening term but inaccuracy cost
Adelaide, who missed easy set shots on goal to finish with seven
behinds. The momentum swung to Fremantle halfway through the second
quarter with four unanswered goals to take an 18-point buffer into the
main break.Pavlich started the third quarter in
the same way as the first, booting the opening goal, but the tide
quickly changed with the Crows kicking four consecutive majors,
including two by Brett Burton, to level the score at the
nine-minute mark.
A brilliant 50m right foot snap by Scott Stevens
seemed to inspire Adelaide but Freo steadied to take a three-goal lead
into the final term.
Strong tackling by Fremantle kept the pressure on the
Crows and goals by Hasleby and young gun Marcus Drum (4 goals)
gave them the firepower to maintain the lead and go on to a convincing
25-point victory. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME 3 |
|
Adelaide v Fremantle |
Saturday,
July 21, 2007
Football Park, 3.10pm AEST, crowd: 40,190
Conditions: Good
Weather: 15C – cool and sunny day |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| ADE |
3.7-25 |
6.8-44 |
12.8-80 |
15.11-101 |
| FRE |
5.0-30 (5) |
10.2-62 (18) |
16.2-98 (18) |
20.6-126
(25) |
Goals:
Fremantle: Matthew Pavlich 5.1, Marcus Drum 4, Paul Hasleby 3, Peter
Bell 2, Roger Hayden, Matthew Carr, Daniel Gilmore, Heath Black, Michael
Johnson, Scott Thornton. Adelaide: Brett Burton 4, Andrew McLeod 2,
Michael Doughty, Ivan Maric, Scott Thompson, Scott Welsh, Scott Stevens,
Ian Perrie, Jason Torney, Graham Johncock, Richard Douglas.
Best: Fremantle: Matthew
Pavlich, Heath Black, Ryan Crowley, Matthew Carr, Peter Bell, Josh Carr,
Daniel Gilmore, David Mundy, Paul Hasleby. Adelaide: Tyson
Edwards, Scott Thompson, Simon Goodwin, Brent Rielly, Brett Burton,
Andrew McLeod.
Umpires: Stephen McBurney, Stefan Grun, Darren Goldspink. |
St Kilda's slim
chance of making the finals received a massive boost with a 17-point
victory over Hawthorn at Docklands on Saturday night. The Saints
strangled Hawthorn's usual relentless run and carry through the middle
and although there were plenty of mistakes on both sides, the Saints won
through.
Martin Boulton observed in The Age: The pacy Hawthorn
midfield has been a major factor in the club's push up the ladder this
year, but it failed to fire in this one, while the forwards stayed deep
and struggled to gain clean possession.
Brendon Cohen reported for Sportal: Nick Riewoldt
(16 possessions and three goals) and Nick Dal Santo (31
disposals), who both re-signed for three years with the Saints during
the week, proved again why they were so highly sought after by other
clubs, while Luke Ball (playing his 100th) was
instrumental in the win with 31 touches (including eight inside 50s) and
three goals.
Bruce Matthews noted in the Herald Sun: Unlike the
previous tedious meeting at the MCG (in R8) the lead swapped six times
in the dour struggle in the first half before St Kilda's edge in the
midfield duels gradually applied scoreboard pressure.
This time it was Hawthorn's turn to be forced to take risks in the last
quarter in a bid to snatch victory. But the Saints had bolted by the
time Lance Franklin finally found space for three late goals.
Milestones only matter if the recipient is respected enough to have an
impact on the team's attitude, and Fraser Gehrig illustrated
Max Hudghton's standing by briefly addressing the players before the
popular defender's 200th game for the Saints. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME 4 |
| St Kilda
v Hawthorn |
Saturday
(n),
July 21, 2007
Docklands, 7.10pm AEST,
Roof: closed; crowd: 37,847
Conditions: Fair – newly laid grass patches slippery
Weather: 9C – cold outside |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| STK |
3.2-20 (5) |
8.4-52 (14) |
12.7-79 (21) |
14.11-95
(17) |
| HAW |
2.3-15 |
5.8-38 |
8.10-58 |
11.12-78 |
Goals: St Kilda: Nick Riewoldt 3, Luke Ball 3, Stephen
Milne 2, Fraser Gehrig, Leigh Montagna, Lenny Hayes, Justin Koschitzke,
Nick Dal Santo, Aaron Fiora. Hawthorn: Lance Franklin 5.5, Ben
Dixon 2, Brad Sewell, Simon Taylor, Ben McGlynn, Xavier Ellis.
Best: St Kilda: Luke Ball, Nick Dal Santo, Leigh Montagna, Lenny
Hayes, Sam Fisher, Nick Riewoldt. Hawthorn: Luke Hodge, Clinton
Young, Lance Franklin, Joel Smith, Grant Birchall.
Umpires: Hayden Kennedy, Damien Sully, Matthew Head.
Report:
Justin Koschitzke (StK) cited for striking Robert Campbell
(Haw) in Q2.
The MRP offered Koschitzke a one-match suspension with an early
plea. The player admitted guilt and accepted the MRP penalty. |
| There were two key
questions being asked before Saturday night's match between West Coast
and Sydney at Subiaco, the first was "could Ben Cousins reproduce
the form that won him a Brownlow Medal after four months out of the game
following substance abuse?" The second was "could the Eagles and Swans
reproduce the contests in which their past six clashes have been decided
by only 13 points?" The answers to both were "you betcha".
Craig O'Donoghue reported in The
Age: The Eagles produced a superb seven-goal third term after scores
were level at half-time to blow the game apart, but Sydney rallied with
six final-quarter goals after trailing by 37 points earlier in the
quarter to reduce the margin to 12 points.
The deficit proved too big, though, and West Coast won to give Cousins
the perfect return to the game. And what a return it was.
Cousins played amazing football. The former captain has been back
training with West Coast for only three weeks so no one knew whether he
would be able to slot straight back into the AFL in such an intense
game. However, he wasted no time making his mark.
The multiple All-Australian midfielder started on the bench but entered
the game in the sixth minute and the ball was in his hands just 90
seconds later. It was the first of 10 he collected in the opening
quarter, 20 for the first half and 38 for the match. His career high is
39.
Tim Clarke observed for the AFL webpage: As important as Cousins
was to West Coast, Ashley Hansen's recovery from injury also
boosted their firepower, with four goals adding to three from the
impressive Brent Staker and the brilliant Dean Cox.
And with weight of numbers and possessions putting the Eagle in charge,
the usual slender margin blew out alarmingly in West Coast's favour
after half-time. In true Bloods style, they refused to lie down,
reducing the margin of 41 points four minutes into the last quarter back
to 12. Nearly, but in recent contests between the pair, that's a
blow-out. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME 5 |
| West Coast v
Sydney |
Saturday
(n),
July 21, 2007
Subiaco Oval, 7.40pm AEST, crowd: 40,014
Conditions: Generally good
Weather: 16C – morning showers, thunderstorm activity – clear for
game |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
2.6-18 (3) |
6.9-45 (–) |
13.14-92 (29) |
16.16-112
(12) |
| SYD |
2.3-15 |
6.9-45 (–) |
9.9-63 |
15.10-100 |
Goals: West Coast: Ashley Hansen 4, Brent Staker 3, Dean
Cox 3, Chris Judd 2, Quinten Lynch, Adam Hunter, Daniel Chick, Rowan
Jones. Sydney: Ryan O'Keefe 4, Ben Matthews 2, Adam Schneider 2,
Michael O'Loughlin 2, Leo Barry, Darren Jolly, Tim Schmidt, Nick Davis,
Jarrad McVeigh.
Best: West Coast: Ben Cousins, Ashley Hansen, Brent Staker,
Daniel Kerr, Dean Cox, Daniel Chick, Chris Judd. Sydney: Ryan
O'Keefe, Nick Malceski, Brett Kirk, Craig Bolton, Jarrad McVeigh.
Umpires: Dean Margetts, Brett Rosebury, Derek Woodcock. |
Brisbane were at their
dominant best in warm and sunny conditions on Sunday at the Gabba when
they demolished the Blues by 117 points to generate within 24 hours the
termination of Denis Pagan as coach of Carlton after his sixth
three-figure loss in his five seasons of just 25 wins from 104 matches.
Jonathan Brown kicked a club record 10.1 as the Lions made it
three wins in-a-row and reside just half-a-game outside of the top
eight.
Andrew Stafford noted in his report for The Age: In an age
in which teams are defined by what they do when they don't have the
ball, Carlton's lack of defensive pressure was appalling. The Lions more
or less did as they pleased. They may well have won by more, too, if not
for several turnovers going into attack. That aside, it was all good
news for the Lions.
Brown was heroic in attack and accurate to boot, while Rhan Hooper
played an impeccable small forward's game and contributed four goals.
Jed Adcock, finally promoted into the midfield, kicked three from 25
hard-earned possessions.
It was an especially pleasing return for Hooper, given he had to be
coaxed back to the club after going AWOL in the pre-season. Matthew
Leuenberger also showed glimpses of his precocious talent in the
ruck.
As for Carlton, Brendan Fevola looked the sole attacking option.
His return of 3.4 was a fair effort, given the scarcity of his
opportunities and the extent to which Carlton was smashed in the
midfield and clearances.
Fevola had the first two shots at goal, but from then on, the match was
a procession. The Lions led by 22 points at quarter-time, 29 at the main
break and 67 at the last after an eight-goal third term.
In the last quarter the Blues lost shape completely as the Lions rammed
home eight more, Brown keeping the crowd interested with four as the
margin ballooned into triple figures. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME 6 |
| Brisbane v
Carlton |
Sunday,
July 22, 2007
BCG (Gabba), 1.10pm AEST, crowd: 27,163
Conditions: Good
Weather: 21C, warm and sunny |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| BRI |
6.2-38 (22) |
9.5-59 (29) |
17.8-110 (67) |
25.13-163
(117) |
| CAR |
2.4-16 |
4.6-30 |
6.7-43 |
6.10-46 |
Goals: Brisbane: Jonathan Brown 10.1, Rhan Hooper 4, Jed
Adcock 3, Robert Copeland 2, Ashley McGrath, Jamie Charman, Scott
Harding, Joel Patfull, Jared Brennan, Will Hamill. Carlton:
Brendan Fevola 3, Kade Simpson, Marc Murphy, Ryan Houlihan.
Best: Brisbane: Rhan Hooper, Robert Copeland, Jed Adcock,
Jonathan Brown, Nigel Lappin, Troy Selwood. Carlton: Andrew
Walker, Heath Scotland, Andrew Carrazzo.
Umpires: Matt Stevic, Ray Chamberlain, Gary Fila.
Report:
Simon Black (Bri) cited with making negligent contact by umpire
Gary Fila in Q2. An early plea will draw the reduced fine of $2400.
Black admitted guilt and accepted the MRP penalty. |
On a day meant to
be a celebration for one of Richmond's favourite sons, Port Adelaide
romped home by 55 points to win on Sunday afternoon in cool, sunny
conditions at the MCG.
Matthew Richardson was eventually chaired off but it was after a
defeat in his 250th game for the Tigers.
Lyall Johnson observed for The Age: It was an impressive
opening as Port jumped out to an early lead despite the Tigers having a
good share of possession, only to have the Tigers fight back as both
sides went on a goal-scoring frenzy – 16 goals were scored for the
quarter.
Any chance Richmond had of staying in the game was lost in the second
quarter when Port tightened up defensively and started to smash their
way through the midfield.The
Tigers bombed long early, first Kane Johnson, then Chris Hyde,
then Joel Bowden, but each time off target. Jay Schulz hit
the post from close range and the Tigers remained goalless for the
quarter.
Port had Peter Burgoyne in top
gear, his brother Shaun on target twice and Kane Cornes finding
the ball at will. Chad Cornes was also busy, but not as manic as
he was in the third term when he had 15 touches, incredibly only
outpointing Peter Burgoyne by one possession.
In the end it was a powerful display by
Port, and a victory that virtually assures it a place in the finals.
But exactly how much it can take out of
the win is debatable. A ridiculous 15 goals came directly from Richmond
turnovers as the Tigers, time and again, squandered possession with
appalling decisions and equally bad skill errors. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME 7 |
| Richmond v Port
Adelaide |
Sunday,
July 22, 2007
MCG, 2.10pm AEST, crowd: 22,395
Conditions: Good
Weather: 13C, fine and sunny |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| RCH |
7.4-46 |
7.7-49 |
10.9-69 |
15.10-100 |
| PA |
9.3-57 (11) |
13.6-84 (35) |
19.9-123 (54) |
24.11-155
(55) |
Goals: Port:
Brett Ebert 6.1, Daniel Motlop 5.1, Shaun Burgoyne 4, Warren Tredrea 3,
Travis Boak, Chad Cornes, Kane Cornes, Nathan Lonie, Danyle Pearce,
David Rodan. Richmond: Matthew Richardson 4, Jack Riewoldt 3,
Shane Edwards 2, Kayne Pettifer 2, Nathan G Brown, Hyde, Troy Simmonds,
Shane Tuck.
Best: Port: Brett Ebert, Daniel Motlop, Shaun Burgoyne, Jacob
Surjan, Chad Cornes, Toby Thurstans. Richmond: Nathan Foley,
Shane Tuck, Chris Newman, Shane Edwards.
Umpires: Luke Farmer, Martin Ellis, Kieron Nicholls. |
The Kangaroos shot to
outright second place on the ladder after easily accounting for
Melbourne by 64 points on Sunday night at Docklands. The Kangas took
over the spot vacated by Hawthorn following their loss to St Kilda on
Saturday night.
Jordon Chong for Sportal assessed: Apart from a brief
moment in the second term, the four premiership points were never really
in doubt as the Kangaroos were able to score goals in big bunches,
seemingly at will, starting with the opening four of the game.
Corey Jones led young Demons defender
James Frawley, among others, a merry dance all day to finish with
four goals, due not only to his clever running and ability to find
space, but the abundant supply generated by the Kangaroos midfielders.
In that department Jess Sinclair
(28 disposals) and Adam Simpson (23 touches) were outstanding,
while Brady Rawlings did his best to shut out Melbourne's
Brock McLean and Brent Harvey continued his banner year with
three goals and 28 possessions.
Samantha Lane noted in The Age: Rawlings' tag on Melbourne
workhorse McLean was effective – when he came to the bench during the
third term he had just six touches to his name – he finished with 13.
Demon Simon Godfrey was given a similar assignment on the Roos'
Harvey but did not enjoy the same success.
And, despite the result, it was a Demons player who provided the
highlight of the match – Michael Newton catapulting himself off
the shoulders of David Neitz to take what probably be judged mark
of the year. |
|
2007 — ROUND 16 — GAME 8 |
|
Kangaroos v Melbourne |
Sunday
(n),
July 22, 2007
Docklands, 5.10pm AEST, Roof:
closed, crowd: 20,187
Conditions: Patchy and slippery from dew
Weather: 11C outside |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| KAN |
4.2-26 (11) |
9.3-57 (28) |
14.9-93 (45) |
19.12-126
(64) |
| MEL |
2.3-15 |
4.5-29 |
7.6-48 |
9.8-62 |
Goals: Kangaroos: Corey Jones 4, Drew Petrie 3, Brent
Harvey 3, Scott McMahon 3, David Hale, Djaran Whyman 2, Shannon Grant,
Leigh Brown. Melbourne: Russell Robertson 2, Michael Newton 2,
Simon Buckley, Nathan Jones, Brock McLean, David Neitz, Brent Moloney.
Best: Kangaroos: Corey Jones, Brady Rawlings, Brent Harvey,
Shannon Grant, Adam Simpson, Jess Sinclair. Melbourne: Brent
Moloney, Jeff White, Paul Wheatley, Daniel Ward.
Umpires: Brett Allen, Matthew Nicholls, Chris Kamolins.
Report:
Simon Godfrey (Mel) reported by field umpire Chris Kamolins for contact
to the head of Scott McMahon (Kangaroos). The report was assessed and
cleared by the MRP. The panel declared that Godfrey had made forceful
contact with McMahon, but it was not reportable because it was caused by
circumstances outside the control of the player. |
|
|
