| * |
Many commentators saw the opening game of Round 8 as a "season defining"
contest for St Kilda and Collingwood. On a chilly Friday night under the
closed roof of Docklands, the pair came together for a match of
high-intensity and a margin as little as nine points. A hefty crowd of
48,417 was on hand.
Paul Gough noted for Sportal that the Pies had lost three
of their past four going into this match and St Kilda three of their
past five yet both side still sat in the top eight. Len Johnson
for The Age commented: Both teams ran themselves to a standstill.
Like two tired marathoners trying to raise a final sprint, the two teams
slugged out the dying minutes after a Shane Birss goal with just
over four minutes to play had narrowed the margin to 10 points.
The Sportal report summed up the proceedings: The Saints badly
missed injured skipper Nick Riewoldt, although it should also be
noted the Pies were without number one ruckman and vice-captain Josh
Fraser.
And the Pies' key forwards Travis Cloke and Anthony Rocca,
in his return game following an ankle injury, had no influence thanks to
the tight marking of Jason Blake and Max Hudghton
respectively.
Yet at the other end Justin Koschitzke only floated in and out of
the game and ageing spearhead Fraser Gehrig looked every bit of
his 32 years of age as he was thrashed by Collingwood's impressive
19-year-old full-back Nathan Brown.
It was certainly not the fault of the Saints' midfield that their team
went down as Lenny Hayes, Luke Ball and Leigh Montagna
all tried their hearts out but the Magpies' veteran skipper Scott
Burns was the game's most important midfielder as he inspired his
team's comeback with 22 possessions and two goals and was easily the
Pies' best player in the first half when the team was struggling.
The Pies won because unlike the Saints they were able to conjure goals
from other avenues on a night when the key forwards of both sides
struggled to have an impact under the closed roof. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 1 |
| St
Kilda v Collingwood |
Friday (n),
May 16, 2008
Docklands, 7.40pm AEST; Roof: closed; crowd: 48,417
Conditions: Good
Weather: 16C, chilly, rain developing |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
| STK |
6.3-39 (8) |
9.5-59 |
12.6-78 |
14.10-94 |
| COL |
5.1-31 |
10.3-63 (4) |
14.5-89 (11) |
16.7-103 (9) |
Goals:
Collingwood: Alan Didak 3, Paul Medhurst 2, Scott Burns 2, Leon Davis,
Harry O'Brien, Scott Pendlebury,
Dale Thomas, Sharrod Wellingham, Anthony Rocca, Tarkyn Lockyer, Ben Johnson,
Chris Bryan. St Kilda: Stephen Milne 2,
David Armitage 2, Nick Dal Santo 2, Shane Birss 2, Jason Gram, Fraser Gehrig,
Leigh Montagna, Brendon Goddard,
Jason Koschitzke, Robert Harvey.
Best: Collingwood: Scott Burns, Leon Davis, Harry O'Brien, Alan Didak,
Scott Pendlebury, Nathan J Brown,
Dane Swan, Chris Bryan. St Kilda: Sam Fisher, Luke Ball, Lenny Hayes,
Jason Blake, Leigh Montagna, Nick Dal
Santo, Max Hudghton.
Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Matt Stevic, Shane McInerney. |
Hawthorn's Lance Franklin with six goals was a key element as his
side came back from 38 points down in the Saturday afternoon match in
good conditions at Launceston's York Park. Port earlier looked set to
continue their strong record against the Hawks, having won eight of the
previous nine contests and kicked four goals to nothing in the first 10
minutes.
Midfielder Shaun Burgoyne was devastating, brother Peter was
mopping up everything in defence and setting up attacks and Danyle
Pearce provided plenty of dash and precision use of the ball. By the
first break, the Power led 7.4 to 2.2, with Port captain Warren
Tredrea having three goals on the board and Franklin the only two
majors for the Hawks. Early goals in the second quarter to Daniel
Motlop (it was then 52-14) then Robbie Gray put Port 37
points out in front after eight minutes.
But the Hawks responded with six goals of their own in the second
quarter, including the last three of the term to drawn within 17 points
by half-time. Port hit back with two of the first three goals of the
third term before Hawthorn rallied once more. Midfielders Jordan
Lewis, Brad Sewell and Chance Bateman led the
second-half revival with ruckman Robert Campbell giving them
first use out of the middle. By three-quarter time, Hawthorn had
outscored Port 13 goals to seven, going into the final term with a
seven-point lead after a fine Franklin snap put them in front.
Hawthorn wasted chances to seal the game early in the last quarter,
kicking 1.5 in the first 14 minutes despite dominating play, however
they were never really threatened. Williams' only goal with four minutes
to go sealed the result. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 2 |
| Hawthorn v Port
Adelaide |
Saturday,
May 17, 2008
York Park, 2.10pm AEST; crowd: 15,682
Conditions: Good lights on in Q4
Weather: 18.5C, mainly fine, cloudy; light to heavy rain in Q4 |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
| HAW |
2.2-14 |
8.7-55 |
15.9-99 (7) |
17.15-117
(15) |
|
PA |
7.4-46 (32) |
11.6-72 (17) |
14.8-92 |
15.12-102 |
Goals:
Hawthorn: Lance Franklin 6.2, Jarryd Roughead 3, Brad Sewell 2,
Michael Osborne 2, Cyril Rioli, Ben McGlynn, Clinton Young, Mark
Williams. Port Adelaide: Warren Tredrea 4, Brett Ebert 3, Robbie
Gray 2, Daniel Motlop 2, David Rodan, Shaun Burgoyne, Matthew Westhoff,
Adam Thomson.
Best: Hawthorn: Jordan Lewis, Brad Sewell, Robert Campbell,
Chance Bateman, Lance Franklin. Port Adelaide: Shaun Burgoyne,
Danyle Pearce, Kane Cornes, Peter Burgoyne, Warren Tredrea.
Umpires: Hayden Kennedy, Kieron Nicholls, Stuart Wenn.
Reports:
l
Ben McGlynn (Haw) cited by the MRP
for rough conduct against Kane Cornes (PA) in Q1. The MRP judged
McGlynn guilty of a reckless Level Three charge when he ran straight he
ran straight at Cornes and made high contact as the Port player player
was on his knees trying to pick up the ball. An early plea would draw a
three-match suspension. Port Adelaide sought the adjudication of the
Tribunal. On Tuesday, the Tribunal supported the MRP assessment and
added an additional suspension of one match as McGlynn had failed his
challenge and because of 93.75 carry-over points from a reprimand
earlier this season. McGlynn was suspended a total of four matches.
l
Shaun Burgoyne (PA) cited by the MRP
for rough conduct against Sam Mitchell (Haw) in Q1. The MRP
judged Burgoyne guilty of a reckless Level Three charge. An early plea
would suspend the player for two game. Port Adelaide sought the
adjudication of the Tribunal. On Tuesday, the Tribunal downgraded the
charge by dropping the level of impact from high to medium. But
Burgoyne's 93.75 carry-over points from an offence last year increased
his suspension back to three matches.
l
Shane Crawford (Haw) was cited for
striking Dean Brogan (PA) in an off-the-ball incident in Q1.
Crawford admitted guilt and accepted the MRP one-match suspension. |
Wet weather, old-fashioned football was the order on Saturday afternoon
at the MCG when 37,275 fronted to watch the Tigers do well against
Geelong up to half-time when Richmond held a well-earned six-point lead.
But the premiers prevailed in the end with another tough, efficient and
emphatic victory.
The Tigers adapted to the rain a lot quicker than Geelong and led by 20
points early in the second term. But the Cats reduced the deficit to a
goal then kicked seven goals to one in the third quarter to kill off the
match.
Returning from a calf muscle injury, Geelong's Gary Ablett
starred again with 27 touches and Paul Chapman revelled in the
tough conditions, kicking four goals.
A highlight of the match was the late inclusion by Richmond of last
year's No.2 draft pick, Trent Cotchin, who joined a select band
of debutants to goal with their first kick in League football. He
impressed and finished with 16 touches and two goals. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 3 |
| Richmond v
Geelong |
Saturday,
May 17, 2008 MCG, 2.10pm AEST, crowd: 37,275 Conditions: Wet
and slippery lights on from start of match Weather:
8C; persistent rain; 10mm since 9am; rain eased in 2nd half |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
| RCH |
3.2-20
(7) |
5.4-34
(6) |
6.7-43 |
10.9-69 |
|
GEE |
2.1-13 |
4.4-28 |
11.12-78
(35) |
14.15-99 (30) |
Goals: Geelong:
Paul Chapman 4, Cameron Ling 2, Ryan Gamble 2, Darren Milburn, Tom
Hawkins, Cameron Mooney, David Wojcinski, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood.
Richmond: Joel Bowden 2, Brett Deledio 2, Trent Cotchin 2,
Richard Tambling, Shane Edwards, Jordan McMahon, Matthew Richardson.
Best: Geelong: Paul Chapman, Gary Ablett, Joel Selwood,
Cameron Mooney, Cameron Ling, Jimmy Bartel. Richmond: Kane
Johnson, Matthew Richardson, Trent Cotchin, Jordan McMahon, Kelvin
Moore, Jake King.
Umpires: Scott McLaren, Matthew Head, Jacob Mollison. |
A sizzling opening term by Brisbane had Carlton on the back foot for the
rest of the match on a cold Saturday night under the closed roof at
Docklands Stadium for 38,675 fans.
Karen Lyon noted in The Age: In the first half, when the
tempo of the game was allowed to flow, the Lions played the game
entirely on their terms exploding when they had the ball but being
quick to stymie their opponents when they didn't. Former Demon Travis
Johnstone was dangerous all night, starting the Lions on their way
with the first goal and finishing with three and 32 possessions in one
of his best performances for his new club.
Much of the Lions' early potency came from Jamie Charman, who was
dominant in the ruck against Cain Ackland, and the likes of
Simon Black, Luke Power and Michael Rischitelli were
sure not to waste his good work. Their ability to find space embarrassed
the Blues, setting up attacks time and again.
Such quality delivery makes any forward look good, but when the man on
the other end is J. Brown, well, it's hardly fair on the opposition
defence. Brown destroyed Jarrad Waite early, before Waite was
released to play as a loose man in defence and Setanta O'hAilpin
was handed the poisoned chalice. While the big Irishman showed his
customary aggression, he simply didn't have the class to go with Brown,
who ended the night with six goals from 10 kicks.
With the luxury of three-straight home games to follow, Brisbane will
soon show how much we can expect from their newly constructed side. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 4 |
| Carlton v
Brisbane Lions |
Saturday
(n), May 17, 2008
Docklands, 7.10pm AEST; Roof: closed; crowd: 38,675
Conditions: Good
Weather: 10C outside; rain periods |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
|
CAR |
2.2-14 |
4.8-32 |
9.14-68 |
12.20-92 |
| BRI |
8.3-51 (37) |
11.8-74 (42) |
16.13-109
(41) |
18.17-125
(33) |
Goals:
Brisbane: Jonathan Brown 6.3, Travis Johnstone 3, Rhan Hooper 2,
Simon Black 2, Jed Adcock, Michael Rischitelli, Anthony Corrie, Josh
Drummond, Daniel Bradshaw. Carlton: Brendan Fevola 5.4, Simon
Wiggins 2, Marc Murphy 2, Eddie Betts, Jordan Russell, Chris Judd.
Best: Brisbane: Jonathan Brown, Simon Black, Travis Johnstone,
Luke Power, Jared Brennan. Carlton: Marc Murphy, Brendan Fevola,
Kade Simpson, Chris Judd, Heath Scotland, Bryce Gibbs.
Umpires: Luke Farmer, Ray Chamberlain, Shaun Ryan. |
The smallest crowd to watch an AFL match since 1996 were at Carrara Oval
on Saturday night, with just 6,354 people braving a pre-game
thunderstorm. The poor attendance however were rewarded by a nail-biter
as West Coast fought ferociously to stop North Melbourne inflicting a
seventh-straight defeat on the Eagles one short of their club record
run of outs.
The Herald Sun on Monday reported the latest blooper to plague
the League, when the power to one of the six light towers was switched
off at the 17-minute mark of a tense last quarter. The floodlights
failed to return during a period when no goals were scored in the final
10 minutes of the game.
Ronny Lerner reviewed the game for Sportal: The Kangaroos'
defence stood up tall when it was pressed in the latter stages of the
final quarter in a frenetic finish.
North Melbourne big man Drew Petrie was almost the villain of the
day when he conceded a 50m penalty to Eagle Ben McKinley after he
took a mark on the outer wing. The resultant extra real estate that
McKinley afforded allowed him to line-up and kick a goal that levelled
the scores 13 minutes into the final quarter.
However, the Kangaroos were able to hold on thanks to a goal from
Matt Campbell at the 19-minute mark of the last term.
Adam Simpson led from the front as the North skipper accumulated
26 possessions and laid seven tackles in what was a match-winning
performance. He enjoyed invaluable assistance from some familiar faces
in Daniel Harris (21 touches, one goal), Brent Harvey (20,
one), Brady Rawlings (20) and Shannon Grant (17, 2) but it
was the performance of maligned big man David Hale that would
have put the biggest smile on North coach Dean Laidleys face.
Hale turned in a pivotal performance that saw him accrue 16 touches, 10
marks, 12 hitouts and a crucial three-goal bag.
Despite the result, West Coast ruckman Dean Cox was the dominant
force on the ground with 24 touches and 30 hit outs as he gave adversary
Hamish McIntosh a rucking lesson. Andrew Embley (25
touches, eight marks), Brent Staker (18, three, three goals) and
Adam Selwood (22, six) refused to give in either for the Eagles. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 5 |
| North Melb v West
Coast |
Saturday
(n), May 17, 2008
Carrara Oval, 7.10pm AEST, crowd: 6,354
Conditions: Pre-game thunderstorm one light tower failed in
Q4
Weather: 17C, rain activity |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
| NM |
5.2-32 (5) |
7.2-44 |
11.8-74 (7) |
13.11-89
(6) |
|
WCE |
4.3-27 |
9.5-59 (15) |
10.7-67 |
12.11-83 |
Goals:
North Melb: David Hale 3, Shannon Grant 2, Nathan Thompson 2,
Daniel Harris, Brent Harvey, Corey Jones, Adam Simpson, Daniel Wells,
Matt Campbell. West Coast: Staker 3, Lynch 2, Kennedy 2, McKinley
2, Davis, Stenglein, Wirrpanda
Best: North Melb: Adam Simpson, David Hale, Daniel Harris, Brent
Harvey, Shannon Grant, Brady Rawlings, Michael Firrito. West Coast:
Dean Cox, Andrew Embley, Brent Staker, Adam Selwood, Chris Masten, Josh
J Kennedy, David Wirrpanda.
Umpires: Chris Donlon, Michael Vozzo, Chris Kamolins.
Report:
Brent Harvey (NM) for allegedly tripping Matthew Priddis (WCE)
in Q3. Charge withdrawn by MRP. |
Adelaide were solid winners over Melbourne in good Sunday afternoon
conditions at Football Park for a crowd of 35,649. The Demons began in
hopeful fashion and pressured the Crows for periods of the first
quarter, but the rest of the match was played almost exclusively in
Adelaide's attacking half as they went on to win by 76 points.
Ashley Porter offered praise in his report for The Age:
The overwhelming factor to come out of this contest was that Adelaide is
definitely a worthy top-four side, not so much because of the margin or
the manner in which it dominated a bottom side, but because of its
new-found power in the forward line.
Rarely has Adelaide had five players who kicked three or more goals,
headed by the energised Brett Burton, who booted five goals and
probably flew higher than ever before to take a mark. It had nine
individual goal-scorers, recorded 40 scoring shots, and had 58
inside-50s.
And not since the halcyon days of Tony Modra taking big marks and
kicking goals has Adelaide had such a tough player to stand than Kurt
Tippett, one of the most exciting young players in the competition.
Adding to the Crows' dominance were young and classy onballers Nathan
van Berlo, Bernie Vince, Jason Porplyzia, and in
between defensive actions, Chris Knights.
Another impressive feature was Adelaide's flexibility, which has
developed superbly over the season. Coach Neil Craig took
Graham Johncock out of the last line of defence, where he was
brilliant, and threw him on to the ball, where he remained a high-impact
player. Andrew McLeod was involved in the swap, and there were
many other effective rotations.
The goal-power and the flexibility, and of course its highly disciplined
defence, has made Adelaide a vastly improved side compared with last
year.
There were times when Dean Bailey's game plan looked like testing
Adelaide, but blatant ball-handling errors often by the more
experienced players who should know better turned over the ball
quickly, resulting in a goal to the opposition. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 6 |
| Adelaide v
Melbourne |
Sunday,
May 18, 2008
Football Park, 1.10pm AEST; crowd: 35,649
Conditions: Good
Weather: 17C, sunny, slight wind |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
| ADE |
8.1-49 (21) |
12.6-78 (37) |
15.15-105
(56) |
22.18-150
(76) |
|
MEL |
4.4-28 |
6.5-41 |
7.7-49 |
11.8-74 |
Goals:
Adelaide: Brett Burton 5.3,
Kurt Tippett 4, Jason Porplyzia 3, Simon Goodwin 3, Luke Jericho 3,
Nathan van Berlo, Chris Knights, Bernie Vince, Scott Stevens.
Melbourne: Michael Morton 3, Russell Robertson 2, Colin Garland,
Brad Miller, Austin Wonaeamirri, Brent Maloney, Clinton Bartram, Matthew
Bate.
Best: Adelaide: Bernie Vince, Brett Burton, Nathan van Berlo,
Chris Knights, Nathan Bock, Kurt Tippett, Scott Stevens, Jason
Porplyzia, Graham Johncock. Melbourne: Clint Bartram, Nathan
Jones, Daniel Bell, Simon Buckley.
Umpires: Gary Fila, Simon Meredith, Martin Ellis. |
Sydney booted 15 goals to three after half-time to storm to a 91-point
win over Essendon on a sunny Sunday afternoon at Stadium Australia at
Homebush when a lean 34,904 fans attended one of the smaller AFL
crowds at the venue.
After trailing all day the youthful Bombers got to within two kicks
(62-50) of the Swans in the 18th minute of the third quarter. But from
that point, Sydney kicked 13 unanswered goals to give it its biggest win
over Essendon since 1987, when it won by 163 points at the SCG.
Sydney's 278-game veteran Michael O'Loughlin kicked a
career-equalling six majors and had 19 touches Steve Orme
reported for Sportal while Adam Goodes (27 possessions)
and Brett Kirk (29 touches and one goal) were also impressive.
For the Bombers, Andrew Welsh toiled hard for two goals and 19
possessions while Mark McVeigh (18) put in an honest day's work.
Sydney dominated a scrappy opening quarter kicking four unanswered goals
to take a 27-point advantage into the first change. The hosts were at
their swarming best in the first term at one stage pressuring the
inexperienced Bombers to rush two behinds in the space of a minute.
But the tide quickly turned with majors to Welsh, Matthew Lloyd
and David Hille within seven minutes of the restart sparking a
spirited revival from the visitors.
Henry Playfair's 21st-minute major steadied the ship for the
Swans before O'Loughlin landed his second goal in the shadows of the
long break to hand the hosts a 16-point half-time lead. While the
Bombers came back in the third term, the devastating 13-goal blitz from
the Swans flattened the young Bombers.
But the news was not all good for the Swans, who lost Tadhg Kennelly
with a dislocated left knee 11 minutes prior to the long break. Kennelly
dislocated his other knee last year and struggled with knee problems
later in the season
The loss of Kennelly might have been offset by the successful return of
Nick Malceski, a mere three months after receiving a
"season-ending" knee injury. His quick recovery involved the use of
artificial fibre intertwined with the damaged ligament rather than
traditional knee surgery. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 7 |
| Sydney v Essendon |
Sunday,
May 18, 2008
Stadium Australia, Homebush, 2.10pm AEST, crowd: 34,904
Conditions: Fair to good; some heavy patches
Weather: 17C, mainly sunny |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
|
SYD |
4.5-29 (27) |
6.11-47 (16) |
13.15-93 (42) |
21.17-143 (91) |
| ESS |
0.2-2 |
4.7-31 |
7.9-51 |
7.10-52 |
Goals:
Sydney: Michael O'Loughlin 6.0, Henry Playfair 3, Darren Jolly 3,
Ryan O'Keefe 2, Jarred Moore 2, Brett Kirk, Amon Buchanan, Leo Barry,
Ted Richards, Kieren Jack. Essendon: David Hille 2, Andrew Welsh
2, Matthew Lloyd, Jay Neagle, Leroy Jetta.
Best: Sydney: Michael O'Loughlin, Brett Kirk, Darren Jolly, Ryan
O'Keefe, Jarrad McVeigh. Essendon: Andrew Welsh, Mark McVeigh,
David Hille, Dustin Fletcher.
Umpires: Stephen McBurney, Jason Armstrong, Michael Avon.
Report:
Kyle Reimers (Ess) was fined $1,950 for making negligent contact
with an umpire. |
In a devastating finish, Fremantle were overrun in the final term for
the third time in as many matches, going down to the Western Bulldogs in
fine conditions on Sunday afternoon at Subiaco Oval. Having given up
leads of 39 points against Geelong and 51 against Melbourne, Fremantle's
19-point edge was swallowed up by a rampant Bulldogs outfit that is
still undefeated.
Ray Wilson noted for The Age: Bulldogs coach Rodney
Eade, vocal and animated during the first-quarter break, provided
the match-winning move in the last term when he swung Jason Akermanis
into the midfield and Cooney to full-forward. Aka was a jet. He
continually won the ball from the centre square, and his delivery was
better than Australia Post.
With skipper Brad Johnson relatively quiet, Adam Cooney's
aerial strength and mobility worried Luke McPharlin and the
Bulldog's two goals the 15th and 16th were key components of the
victory.
Fremantle coach Mark Harvey watched on helplessly as Fremantle's
Groundhog Day played out before 35,000 fans.
While the Bulldogs remain unbeaten, they were far from convincing, apart
from the last term when the big guns wielded an influence.
It was another tragic end in a tragic season for Fremantle but the
Dockers took heart from the club debut of Kepler Bradley, who
appears almost to be an accidental hero at times, and the continued
excellence of Rhys Palmer and good work of Garrick Ibbotson.
Michael Johnson and Roger Hayden were outstanding in
defence, while Tarrant has rarely had a greater influence on a game.
But, for all that, some critical errors at crucial times none more so
than when Steven Dodd's senseless push on Lindsay Gilbee
caused the umpire to overturn a 50-metre penalty proved fatal. |
| 2008
ROUND 8 GAME 8 |
| Fremantle v
Western Bulldogs |
Sunday,
May 18, 2008
Subiaco Oval, 4.40pm AEST; crowd: 35,624
Conditions: Good
Weather: 20C, fine and sunny |
| |
1/4
time |
1/2
time |
3/4
time |
Final |
|
FRE |
6.2-38 |
9.5-59 (1) |
14.8-92 (18) |
17.9-111 |
| WB |
6.3-39 (1) |
9.4-58 |
11.8-74 |
17.12-114
(3) |
Goals:
West.B'dogs: Robert Murphy 3, Jason Akermanis 3, Daniel
Giansiracusa 2, Scott Welsh 2, Adam Cooney 2, Brad Johnson, Will Minson,
Nathan Eagleton, Mitch Hahn, Ben Hudson. Fremantle: Matthew
Pavlich 4, Chris Tarrant 4, Brett Peake 2, Kepler Bradley, Rhys Palmer,
Garrick Ibbotson, Dean Solomon, David Mundy, Ryan Crowley, Jeff Farmer.
Best: West.B'dogs: Jason Akermanis, Robert Murphy, Adam Cooney,
Daniel Cross, Nathan Eagleton, Ryan Griffen. Fremantle: Matthew
Pavlich, Michael Johnson, Aaron Sandilands, Chris Tarrant, Brett Peake,
Roger Hayden.
Umpires: Mathew James, Scott Jeffery, Todd Keating.
Reports:
Dean Solomon (Fre) was fined $1,800 for wrestling Tom Williams
(WB). Tom Williams (WB) was fined $900 for wrestling Dean Solomon
(Fre). |
|
|