Round 14
Collingwood blast Bombers by six goals
6th-straight win for Magpies

Collingwood 15.12-102
Essendon 9.13-67

Collingwood key forward Travis Cloke found his best form of the season as the Magpies stretched their winning streak to six with a 35-point AFL victory over Essendon at the MCG on Friday night before a bumper crowd of 77,699.

Cloke kicked four goals and set up numerous others, one of a host of positive signs for the Magpies who surged away after a slow start.

It was Cloke's biggest haul of the season so far, bettering the three he kicked against Fremantle last round, in an upward form curve that will delight Collingwood given he is one of their most important players.

Ruckman Josh Fraser was another star for the `Pies, dominating the hit-outs and kicking a fine snapped goal in the third term after gathering the ball in the ruck.

He would have enjoyed the comprehensive victory he had in his duel with Essendon counterpart Paddy Ryder, who won the Anzac Day Medal as best afield when the sides last met.

Also pleasing for Collingwood was the continued superb form of midfielders Alan Didak and Dane Swan.

Didak in particular has struck a purple patch over the last month, continually racking up 30-plus possessions and using the ball to great effect, an effort he repeated with 35 touches against the Bombers.

The win sets up another big clash against the Western Bulldogs next Friday night at Docklands, with the Magpies and Bulldogs the competition's two form sides apart from runaway leaders St Kilda and Geelong.

They said it ... Second team – fickle Sydney is getting one!

AFL chief Andrew Demetriou has admitted Sydney isn't ready for a second team, but the city is getting one anyway. That's according to Swans coach Paul Roos, who has revealed details of a conversation he had with Demetriou on the subject this week. Speaking at the new Blacktown Olympic Park AFL-cricket facility on Friday, Demetriou said the AFL commission required evidence of the new team's capacity to excel in forty areas. They will have to establish a strong fan base of supporters and potential members, build strong support levels from business partners, connect with the community and develop an identity that reflects and is owned by the people of the region. Demetriou said a Community Advisory Group would gather information for the next nine or 10 months. "We would hope by next February-March to be in a position, having discussed and consulted with our clubs along the way with some of the progress reports, that we would be in a position to decide on a license," Demetriou said. Roos says Demetriou also told him that establishing a second AFL club in Blacktown in 2012 will hopefully help the new team and also the Swans build the code in the fickle Sydney market. GREG BUCKLE, Fox Sports, July 3, 2009

Cats-Saints, player turnover in past 5 years

I have been perusing the player lists of the clubs for both 2004 and 2009, using the AFL’s Annual Record. Geelong has retained 21 of its 2004 list; St Kilda has retained 17. That means there has been more turnover in the five-year period at St Kilda than at Geelong. Here are the teams that met at Kardinia Park for the Rd 18 clash between these two clubs. That was the clash which captured the media’s attention – “the star clubs of the remainder of the decade”. Geelong won the match by seven points – it was a gripping encounter and warranted generous praise for the quality it provided.   GEELONG ST KILDA G Ablett Baker Bartel Ball Byrnes H Black (departed) Callan (departed) Blake Chapman X Clarke Corey Dal Santo Enright Ferguson (departed) Gardiner (departed) S Fisher Graham (departed) Gehrig (departed) Harley Goddard J Hunt Guerra (departed) D Johnson Hamill (departed) S Johnson Harvey (departed) King (departed) Hayes Kingsley (departed) Jones (departed) Koulouriotis (departed) Knobel (departed) Ling Milne Milne Montagna Mooney Peckett (departed) Playfair (departed) Riewoldt Scarlett Thompson (departed) Wojcinski B Voss (departed) x x 15 current, 7 departed 11 current, 11 departed The Cats are relying on a larger core of players who have been with the club for a long time. The Saints have turned over their list a lot more, although that doesn’t mean they have “fresh legs”. While the Cats have Ottens with a large number of games under his belt at Punt Road, and Mooney and Harley with a handful only, the Saints have added a heap of experience, including Schneider, King, Dempster, Gardiner and Ray. Historically, teams with a large core of players who have been together for a long time tend to be more successful. We will only really know the answer at the end of September.

Perspective

Has anyone ever flicked between the AFL and the NRL on TV and taken notice of the sound levels? The background sound at the AFL is a pleasant muffled roar with subtle peaks as the crowd responds to incidents in the play. The commentary is clearly audible at all times. Switching to the NRL there is a background din that sounds like you are atop a galvanized iron tank containing a few dozen drunks yelling and banging with dull instruments. The commentary is often barely audible and at times indecipherable from the background racket. Does the broadcaster imagine the target audience is too stupefied to notice or is it at the direction of the NRL to convince the sponsor that there is actually someone at the match? Hyperbole aside, do the exercise of switching back and forth between the two broadcasts and you'll see what I mean. Rogers Results

Stab Kicks ...

 Adelaide's livewire forward Brett Burton will make his much-anticipated return from a knee reconstruction with Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL on Sunday.
Crows coach Neil Craig said 31-year-old Burton was planning to play a full SANFL game with a return to the AFL side next weekend not out of the question.

Round 14 selections
Blues selectors make five changes
Stevens and Scotland among casualties
Davis and Pendlebury back for Magpies

Carlton have dumped star midfielder Nick Stevens among at least five changes for Sunday's match against Fremantle at Subiaco Oval.

Stevens and Heath Scotland were the two biggest casualties of the Blues' second half capitulation against Essendon last Friday night.

Jordan Bannister and Steven Browne were also dropped and defender Paul Bower forced out with a knee injury from the 25-man squad, from which three more players must be omitted.

Key backman Bret Thornton, who has missed the club's past two games with a hamstring injury, was among the inclusions.

The Dockers have been hurt by the loss of skipper Matthew Pavlich with a calf strain, while they have suspended Dean Solomon after he went out drinking with Essendon's Mark McVeigh last weekend.

Collingwood named classy midfielder Scott Pendlebury to make a quick return from injury in Friday night's bumper clash with Essendon at the MCG.

Another midfield star Leon Davis will also return from illness to boost the Magpies, who are on a five-game winning streak.

Pendlebury missed last weekend's big win over Fremantle with a knee injury sustained against Sydney in the previous round, which initially looked likely to sideline him for much longer, however he came through a fitness test on Thursday.

Shannon Cox and Chris Dawes were dropped.

The Bombers were hit by the loss of ball-winning midfielder Jobe Watson, who injured his ankle in the first half against Carlton.

Key defender Adam McPhee returns from a calf injury in their only change.

Brisbane have thrown another chance to midfielder Travis Johnstone. After Lions coach Michael Voss challenged the veteran to win back his spot in the side, Johnstone responded to force Jason Roe out of the line-up for Saturday's away clash with Port Adelaide.

It was the only change to the team which thrashed Melbourne by 55 points at the Gabba last weekend.

St Kilda left veteran key defender Max Hudghton out of their 25-man squad for Sunday's huge clash with Geelong at Docklands after sustaining an ankle injury against Richmond last round.

Despite Hudghton's loss, Matt Maguire was not able to squeeze his way into the squad.

The Cats have lost small defender David Johnson with a calf injury.

Reigning premiers Hawthorn responded to last round's loss to West Coast with four changes for Saturday night's meeting with the Western Bulldogs at Docklands Stadium.

Forward Mark Williams was forced out with a knee injury, but young trio Beau Muston, Ryan Schoenmakers and Brendan Whitecross were dropped.

Premiership defender Stephen Gilham was among the inclusions, for just his second game of the season.

The Bulldogs replaced Daniel Giansiracusa (knee) with Sam Reid.

Bottom-placed Melbourne left out No.1 draft pick Jack Watts, who has been ill, for Saturday's MCG meeting with West Coast, his first time out of the side since his Queen's Birthday debut.

Demons captain James McDonald, Matthew Bate, Mark Jamar and Paul Wheatley are all back from injury or illness.

The Eagles lost star midfielder Daniel Kerr (soreness).

Sydney named key duo Craig Bolton and Jarrad McVeigh in their squad for their must-win clash with North Melbourne at the SCG on Sunday.

Bolton has overcome a knee injury, while McVeigh has recovered from a shoulder problem, with Barry Hall forced out by suspension.

Adelaide included key forward Shaun McKernan, the younger brother of former North Melbourne dual premiership player Corey McKernan, for his AFL debut against Richmond on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

The Crows dropped young forward Taylor Walker and have lost ruckman Brad Moran to a long-term knee injury – Yahoo Sport

Jim Stynes steps back for time to battle cancer
Melbourne AFL great Jim Stynes is battling cancer and will take time out from his role as president of the club to fight the disease.

Stynes, 43, first discovered a lump in his back three weeks ago.

Yahoo! Sport detailed that tests showed the lump was cancerous and that the disease had spread to other parts of his body.

"I need to put all my energies into getting my body right and to heal," Stynes told a media conference on Thursday.

"I'm not stepping down from Melbourne but I will be taking a break – I will have to take the rest of the season off."

Flanked by his wife Sam, Demons chief executive Cameron Schwab and vice-president Don McLardy, Stynes said he would go into hospital as soon as possible to begin therapy. McLardy will take over as acting president until the end of the season.

Irish-born Stynes came to Australia in the mid-1980s and went on to have a decorated VFL-AFL career. He played 264 games with Melbourne and won the 1991 Brownlow Medal and is a member of the AFL Hall of Fame.

Stynes took over as Demons president 12 months ago when Paul Gardner stepped down. He has also won great admiration for his work with the Reach Foundation – a youth charity he set up.

Stynes, who has two children, has been named Victorian of the Year and won an Order of Australia Medal for his work with the charity.

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou said all those involved in the football industry were united in their wish to support Stynes in his battle against illness.

"Jim is one of the most respected people in football and across the community and the best wishes of the AFL and all football supporters go out to him, his wife Sam and his family at this time," said Demetriou.

"The tireless job Jim has done in transforming the Melbourne Football Club and bringing together the club's supporter base has been incredible and I know football fans from across all clubs will pledge their support for him.

"We wish Jim a speedy recovery from his illness."

Launceston fans left in the cold for August 8 game
Footy fans braved the chill and rain of the early morning hours in Launceston on Wednesday to queue to buy seats for the Hawthorn-St Kilda match to be played on August 8 at York Park.

Footystats identity Leonard Colquhoun complained that all seats had gone by the time he was 20 from the booth.

Thursday's Examiner reported about 200 St Kilda fans were told soon after sales began that there were no seats left.

Fans said for a couple of months both the AFL and Ticketmaster websites had been directing them to Launceston's Ticketmaster outlet at the Princess Theatre from 9am on Wednesday.

Other fans were unsuccessful in attempting to get tickets online. Shortly after tickets went on sale a message on the Ticketmaster website said: "Allocation is currently exhausted."

The top crowd to attend an AFL game at York Park is 20,971 for the mid-season clash in 2006 between Hawthorn and Richmond.

 Defender Graham Johncock has signed a two-year contract extension with Adelaide.
The 26-year-old's decision to stay on comes days after the Crows announced new contracts with a host of younger players, including Bernie Vince, Andy Otten and Taylor Walker.

Dockers drop Solomon after session with McVeigh
Fremantle's Dean Solomon has paid the price for partnering Essendon's Mark McVeigh in a marathon drinking session, with the Dockers imposing a one-game AFL ban on the former Bomber.

The Age reports it is believed Solomon and his good friend McVeigh were drinking at a South Melbourne hotel until the early hours of Monday morning.

But while McVeigh was slapped with a one-game suspension for missing a compulsory training session, Solomon, who had been given permission to remain in Melbourne for an extra day following the Dockers' loss to Collingwood, fulfilled all of his obligations with Fremantle upon his return to Perth.

However, the Dockers deemed Solomon's actions "detracted from his preparation" for Sunday's clash with Carlton at Subiaco Oval.

They said it ... The Age, Caroline Wilson Stynes may quit to fight illness

Melbourne president Jim Stynes is considering standing down from the position today because of serious illness. Stynes, 43, is believed to have only recently been diagnosed with the illness. His decision is expected to be announced at a media conference this morning. The news of Stynes' illness will come as a shock to the football community, in which he is widely admired both for his playing career and what he has achieved since retiring. Several weeks ago, Stynes celebrated one year in the job at Melbourne, in which he has helped reunite the factionalised club and built membership to record levels. Since talking over from Paul Gardiner, his administration has come close to halving Melbourne's massive debt and was next month due to launch another "debt demolition" campaign – more CAROLINE WILSON, The Age, July 2, 2009

Geelong and St Kilda ► Around 5 and half years ago it was predicted that Geelong and St Kilda would be "Rivals for Ages". Now that prediction seems to be coming to fruition. Click on the link above for a series of tables comparing the performance of the two since 2004.  Rogers Results

They said it ... Brett Kirk says Swans undecided on Hall's future

Sydney co-captain Brett Kirk has told teammate Barry Hall his actions are unacceptable and says the Swans are undecided on the troubled forward's playing future. Hall, 32, accepted a two-match ban from the AFL Tribunal for striking Adelaide fullback Ben Rutten last weekend. "His actions have shown a lot of difference to what he has spoken about. So that's something he needs to take responsibility for," Kirk said yesterday. "He is ultimately who has to change his pattern of behaviour and he needs to do something about it." Asked if Hall would play again for the Swans this season Kirk said: "That's not my decision. That's the process the club's going through at the moment." Coach Paul Roos said on Monday he had strong doubts whether Hall wanted to continue playing in the AFL in the wake of the Rutten incident. BRETT KIRK, The Australian, July 1, 2009

David Mundy: into the record books
Fremantle's David Mundy, who has been very much the quiet achiever in Dockerland, reaches his 100th consecutive game on Sunday against Carlton.

The Fremantle website has detailed the event which enters the records.

Apart from being an important milestone, there is also an historical element to Mundy's 100th game.

He will become the eighth only player in VFL-AFL history to play 100 consecutive games from debut.

Mundy joins an impressive group that includes:
Jared Crouch (Sydney): 194, 1998-2006
John Murphy (Fitzroy): 158, 1967-74
Dick Taylor (Melbourne): 127, 1922-29
Steven Wallis (Footscray): 113, 1983-87
Allan Woodley (Hawthorn): 110, 1954-1959
Shane Woewodin (Melbourne): 107, 1997-01
Ian Law (Hawthorn): 100, 1960-65

At four years and 66 days, Mundy takes the mantle of being the Fremantle player to reach 100 games from debut in the fastest time from Round 6 in 2005..

Previously that honour was held by Matthew Pavlich, who took four years and 100 days, followed by:

Paul Hasleby – four years, 115 days
Justin Longmuir – five years
Aaron Sandilands - five years, 35 days
Shane Parker – five years, 42 days
James Walker – five years, 239 days
Daniel Bandy – six years, one day

 With around 10,000 seats still left, the Collingwood-Essendon match will remain on 8.30pm delay for Melbourne viewers.
As noted by Sam Edmund in Melbourne's Herald Sun – under the current broadcast contract, Channel Seven has the right to go live for any Friday night game, regardless of whether or not the match is sold out.
But the network said yesterday it would not broadcast the match from 7.30pm.

Carlton's Brendan Fevola has declared himself a starter for Sunday afternoon's match against the Dockers at Subiaco. Last Saturday Fevola had surgery to correct bone and ligament damage to his little left finger.

Blues act on "disgraceful" allegations
John Elliott banished by Carlton

Carlton have accused former president John Elliott of disgracing the AFL club over his assertion the Blues paid hush money to women who claimed they were raped by players.

The Age reported the Blues have also banished Elliott from the club following the remarks he made at a Hobart lunch recently, when he alleged Carlton had paid off women to prevent them speaking over claims they were raped by players during the 1980s and `90s.

Elliott, who presided over the club from 1983-2002, later reiterated his comments on a television show.

Elliott was interviewed by police over his comments, but has refused to elaborate publicly on his allegations.

Carlton have remained silent since Elliott made the remarks, but conducted an investigation which included interviewing former chief executives Ian Collins and Stephen Gough and other past administrators.

The Blues are adamant Elliott's allegations are untrue.

Current president Stephen Kernahan broke the club's public silence on Tuesday, saying he is bewildered by the remarks and finds them "disgraceful".

"As far as we are aware there is no basis to John's allegations, so why he made them only he can say," said Kernahan, a Carlton player from 1986-97 and captain from 1987 until his retirement.

"We have noted that he has since publicly claimed to know nothing about these alleged payments.

"These comments and his ongoing behaviour have impacted negatively on everyone who is associated with this club during his time as president.

"Having then trivialised the matter is appalling and while he does not represent this club, there is no doubt he has disgraced the Carlton Football Club and in doing so slurred everyone connected with Carlton.

"We all have to take responsibility for our comments and actions and everyone at Carlton – members, supporters, officials, players, coaches, past players, indeed the entire Carlton family – have been insulted by John's comments and actions.

"As a result, while John harbours such opinions he will not be welcome at the club and he will not be permitted to attend any official Carlton Football Club functions."

Worth attention –
Samantha Lane in The Age provides analysis in "Final humiliation for Elliott as Blues dump him" – more ...



Match Review Panel – Round 13
Sydney accept two weeks for Hall

Sydney forward Barry Hall will miss the next two AFL games after pleading guilty to striking Adelaide's Ben Rutten.

Hall will miss games against North Melbourne and Essendon after the Swans accepted the penalty offered him by the MRP, following his brain-fade in Saturday's match at Football Park.

Yahoo! Sport note the latest suspension takes to 26 the number of games Hall has missed through suspension, easily the highest of any current player.

The 32-year-old's future with the Swans remains uncertain given his run of discipline issues over the past two seasons, and even coach Paul Roos doubted on Monday whether Hall wanted to continue playing football.

However, Hall reportedly insists he has no plans for a mid-season retirement.

North Melbourne's Drew Petrie accepted a reprimand for striking Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson at the MCG last Sunday, but can play the Swans at the SCG on Sunday.

Richmond's Trent Cotchin also accepted a reprimand, for striking St Kilda's Jarryn Geary at Docklands last Sunday night, but can play Adelaide on the Gold Coast on Saturday night.

The trio's guilty pleas means the tribunal again were not required to convene.

The following charges from Round 13 were laid:

ADELAIDE v SYDNEY
Barry Hall (Syd), charged with a Level Three striking offence against Ben Rutten (Ade) in Q3.
Hall's poor record means that his penalty is increased to a three-game suspension, or with an early plea he can accept a two-match punishment.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and high contact (two points). This is a total of six activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Three offence, drawing 225 demerit points and a two-match sanction. He has a total of eight matches suspended within the last three years, increasing the penalty by 50 per cent to 337.50 points. He also has 57.50 points carried over from within the last 12 months, increasing the penalty to 395 points and a three-match sanction. An early plea reduces the sanction by 25 per cent to 296.25 points and a two-match sanction.

The Sydney club accepted the early plea. Hall admitted guilt and accepted the MRP penalty of a two-match suspension.

NORTH MELBOURNE v WESTERN BULLDOGS
Drew Petrie (NM), charged with a Level Two striking offence against Brad Johnson, Western Bulldogs in Q1.
Petrie was offered a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record with an early plea.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Two offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction. He has no good or bad record. An early plea reduces the sanction by 25 per cent to a reprimand and 93.75 points towards Petrie's future record.

Petrie admitted guilt and accepted the MRP penalty of a reprimand.

ST KILDA v RICHMOND
Trent Cotchin (Rch), charged with a Level Two striking offence against Jarryn Geary, St Kilda in Q3.
Cotchin was offered a reprimand and 93.75 points towards his future record with an early plea.

The incident was assessed as intentional conduct (three points), low impact (one point) and body contact (one point). This is a total of five activation points, resulting in a classification of a Level Two offence, drawing 125 demerit points and a one-match sanction. He has no good or bad record. An early plea reduces the sanction by 25 per cent to a reprimand and 93.75 points towards Cotchin's future record.

Cotchin admitted guilt and accepted the MRP penalty of a reprimand.

Other incidents assessed:

Jesse White (Syd) for striking Bernie Vince (Ade) was assessed. The MRP noted that White’s hand made contact with Vince’s knee as the Adelaide player kicked the ball. The contact caused White’s hand to ricochet upwards, making accidental high contact. No further action was taken.

Heath Grundy (Syd) for striking Nathan Bock (Ade) was assessed. The MRP noted that Grundy’s open hand clipped Bock’s face as the Adelaide player marked the ball. The action was not seen as a striking motion and was deemed to be an attempt to spoil the mark. No further action was taken.

Jordan Lewis (Haw) for engaging in rough conduct against Adam Selwood (WCE) was assessed. Lewis had his eyes on the ball at all times through his action and made slight high contact as both players reached down to contest the ball. The panel said that Lewis had no realistic alternative way to contest the ball. No further action was taken.

Port re-sign Mark Williams as coach

As late as 9.30pm on Monday night, Mark Williams genuinely doubted he would be retained as coach of Port Adelaide. At the end of what has amounted to a six-month re-application for the job under the watchful eyes of new chief executive Mark Haysman and president Brett Duncanson, Williams was none the wiser until Duncanson knocked on his door to inform him of his retention. The Power's board met for nine hours before concluding that Williams remained the best man for the job, and at the best price, having accepted he would take a significant pay cut to help the club through choppy financial waters. Duncanson said Williams remained the best and most likely man to coach the Power to their next AFL premiership. Williams said he now realised that doing more with less was the reality for Port, but also indicated he had doubted the club's future until AFL–SANFL intervention this year. There is little doubt the club will be a more comfortable working environment now the direction for the next two years has been established, and may provide the Power with the momentum they need to lift from a mediocre 6-7 into a finals berth. "We've all danced around `is there an effect', but there's an effect, there's definitely been an effect," said Williams, who took the club to the 2004 premiership, six years after replacing foundation Power coach John Cahill – Yahoo! Sport

Round 13 – Tayte Pears (Essendon)

Essendon defender Tayte Pears has been rewarded for his excellent shut-down job on Brendan Fevola with the Round 13 nomination for the AFL Rising Star Award. Pears gathered 21 possessions in the 69-point win over Carlton on Friday night, while limiting Fevola to just two goals. The 19-year-old Pears has played on some of the league's best key forwards in 2009 including Daniel Bradshaw, Jarryd Roughead, Justin Koschitzke and Matthew Pavlich. After starring for Western Australia in the 2007 Under-18 national championships, he was selected by the Bombers with pick #23 in that year's national draft. Pears is Essendon's second Rising Star nominee this year, following David Zaharakis nomination earlier in the year. Full details and history of the AFL-NAB Rising Star award ... more

The longest each team has gone in a season without a loss or win In response to Kathryn Michaelsen's request Best Start ► has been updated to include the above. (How a about a draw between Geelong and St Kilda on Sunday? Then we could have the possibility of two undefeated teams in the Grand Final, which would surely be the 'grandest' of them all.) Rogers Results

Turning back the clock ...

The Argus, January 28, 1933

Richmond needed a new coach when Frank 'Checker' Hughes, who had taken the Tigers to runners-up on four occasions then finally a premiership in 1932, decided to move on.    The former Richmond secretary Percy Page became secretary of the Melbourne FC and lured "Checker" across the park to the MCG with the promise of a job in a printing factory.    So the Tigers advertised the position of the 'non playing coach' in The Argus on January 28, 1933.    Former Richmond VFA and VFL player Billy Schmidt (he also played with St Kilda) won the position and took the club to the 1933 Grand Final, but they lost to South Melbourne. It was Schmidt's only season as coach.    One suspects there will be much wider press coverage as Richmond strive to find their 40th League coach for season 2010. Thank you to Rhett Bartlett for allowing us to print this clipping. See more of Rhett's work at – *Rhettrospective*

Stab Kicks ...

 A late-night drinking session with former teammate Dean Solomon is believed to be behind Essendon midfielder Mark McVeigh being axed for Friday night's blockbuster against Collingwood.
Jesse Hogan reports in The Age: Bombers coach Matthew Knights made a dramatic statement by dumping McVeigh, who many thought the most likely candidate to be the Bombers' next captain, after he missed a compulsory training session on Monday.
It is believed McVeigh and Solomon – who played for Fremantle against Collingwood on Saturday – were drinking at South Melbourne's Star Bar hotel until at least 3 o'clock on Monday morning, having earlier been drinking at the Hotel Barkly in St Kilda.

It didn't come yesterday, so the party for Barry Hall's departure from the Swans is on stand-by. The sausages are in the fridge and the boxing gloves are wrapped and waiting at the front door.

Match Review Panel – Round 13
Three players charged
Hall offered two games with early plea
Reprimands for Petrie and Cotchin

Controversial Sydney key forward Barry Hall is one of three players to be charged after the review of the weekend's AFL matches by the Match Review Panel.

Yahoo! Sport reports Hall can accept a two-game ban if he takes an early plea for striking Adelaide fullback Ben Rutten.

North Melbourne utility Drew Petrie and Richmond onballer Trent Cotchin can accept reprimands for their level-two striking offences.

Petrie was charged with striking Western Bulldogs captain Brad Johnson, while Cotchin made contact with St Kilda's Jarryn Geary.

Petrie and Cotchin will have 93.75 carryover points if they accept their penalties.

Hall is risking a three-game ban if he goes to the tribunal, while Petrie and Cotchin would receive one-game suspensions if they take their cases to Tuesday's tribunal and lose.

The MRP also decided to take no further action over match-day reports against Sydney pair Heath Grundy and Jesse White, Hawthorn midfielder Jordan Lewis, West Coast onballer Andrew Embley and Port Adelaide's Peter Burgoyne.

They said it – Paul Roos, Sydney coach Hall's career may be over

Frustrated Sydney Swans coach Paul Roos strongly doubts Barry Hall has the desire to keep playing in the AFL and wants him to consider retirement. Greg Buckle for Fox Sports noted Hall has landed one on-field punch too many, with the controversial key forward likely to accept a two-match ban for striking Adelaide fullback Ben Rutten on Saturday. But even before the match review panel announced that penalty on Monday, Roos had made some pointed public comments about Hall's future. "I'm not sure whether he wants to play footy, I guess that's where I'm at as a coach in terms of Hally," Roos said on Monday. "I seriously doubt whether he does. "Players can always choose to retire ... we saw Mick (O'Loughlin) retire the other week. "As you get towards the end of your career you can lose the drive, lose the desire and all those sorts of things. "If he feels like he's no longer interested in playing for us as a footy club and playing AFL footy, we're certainly open to those discussions." FOX SPORTS, June 29, 2009

Knee injury flattens Daniel Giansiracusa for six
The Western Bulldogs have suffered a significant injury blow, with Daniel Giansiracusa sidelined for up to six AFL matches.

Yahoo! Sport reports Giansiracusa underwent arthroscopic surgery on Monday to repair damage to his right knee. He suffered the damage during Sunday's win over North Melbourne, where the utility kicked two key last-term goals.

Giansiracusa was in career-best form, but had to leave the field early in Sunday's match. He needed treatment before returning to the field.

It has been a big weekend for injuries, with Fremantle captain Matthew Pavlich undergoing scans on Monday afternoon for a calf muscle injury.

Pavlich is out of action for at least two matches.

Also, erratic Carlton full-forward Brendan Fevola could miss Sunday's match against the Dockers because of a finger operation. The club has revealed Fevola needed minor surgery on Saturday for ligament damage in his left little finger.

Fevola had the operation the day after Essendon smashed the Blues by 69 points.

Carlton defender Paul Bower is also out of action for two to four weeks after suffering a knee injury in the Essendon loss. Scans have revealed a medial ligament strain.

In better news for the Blues, fellow backman Bret Thornton is set to return from a hamstring injury.

They said it – The Age, Samantha Lane Elliott denies life membership may be revoked

John Elliott last night denied his life membership at Carlton was in jeopardy over his claims that the club paid hush money to up to five women who alleged they were raped by Blues players during his presidency. As a police investigation continues into Elliott's assertions, which have been denied by former club chief executives Ian Collins and Stephen Gough, Carlton's current hierarchy has remained silent on the matter. The Age understands, however, that the club – which has received considerable correspondence from supporters complaining about its lack of comment on the issue – is preparing to make a statement once it has completed its own investigations into the matter. Since sparking the controversy, Elliott has had revoked an invitation to a lunch organised by past players to mark the 30th anniversary of the 1979 premiership – he was due to appear on a panel – but Elliott believes his life-member status is safe – more ... SAMANTHA LANE, The Age, June 30, 2009

Eagles quick to re-contract Nic
West Coast's new cult hero Nic Naitanui has penned a new AFL deal with the Eagles, along with defenders Mitch Brown and Eric Mackenzie.

Naitanui became an instant hit among Eagles fans when he was drafted with pick No.2 last year.

The 19-year-old impressed in his debut against Richmond in round 12 but took things to a whole different level against the Hawks last Saturday night, kicking three final-quarter goals to guide West Coast to an upset 20-point victory.

Naitanui, a 201cm ruckman, is being groomed to eventually take over from four-times All-Australian Dean Cox as the club's leading tap specialist – Fox Sports

Martin Windsor-Black Not scoring in two quarters, but still won

The unbeaten St Kilda at quarter-time on Sunday found itself goalless against Richmond which set MWB delving back into the records. Martin found just one occurrence where a team failed to score in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, but still won! On Saturday, June 6, 1904 at the East Melbourne CG in Round 6 of the season – ESS 0.1-1 4.4-28 5.4-34 (3) 6.5-41 COL 4.7-31 (30) 4.7-31 (3) 4.7-31 6.7-43 (2) Compare this to Sunday's score: STK 0.3-3 5.5-35 (20) 11.9-75 (60) 13.14-92 (56) RCH 2.3-15 (12) 2.3-15 2.3-15 5.6-36 Just as Essendon were held goalless by Collingwood in the 1st quarter, St Kilda were held goalless by Richmond in the 1st quarter. Richmond actually won the "outer" half (the bookends) against the Saints when you combine the 1st and last quarters – 5.6-36 v 2.8-20, St Kilda won the game by scoring 11.6-72 v 0.0-0 in the "inner" half. Three times a team winning where scoreless in 1st and 3rd quarters – 1904-R10-EM – Ess 6.8-44 d StK 6.3-39 1946-R8-AS – NM 9.2-56 d Mel 3.9-27 1966-R8-WO – Fsc 11.5-71 d Mel 7.8-50. Eight times a team winning where scoreless in 2nd and 4th quarters 1897-R2-AP – SM 6.4-40 d Car 5.6-36 1900-R6-PP – Car 4.1-25 d Col 0.9-9 1904-R13-CO – Gee 5.12-42 d Fit 4.13-37 1908-R1-PP – Car 6.12-48 d StK 3.4-22 1927-R3-AS – NM 8.5-53 lost to Gee 7.13-55 1958-R6-AS* – NM 9.10-64 d Ess 7.13-55 1958-R7-AS* – NM 9.8-62 d Col 7.17-59 1961-R12-VP Col 5.11-41 lost to Gee 8.10-58 *Consecutive matches at home by North Melbourne against Essendon and Collingwood. Winning without scoring after half-time ... 1898-R3-PP – Car 2.4-16 lost to Ess 4.4-28 1899-R11-VP – Col 5.9-39 d SM 5.6-36.

 

Kathryn Michaelsen What is it about Round 14?

As we are all aware, there has never in the 113 season history of the VFL–AFL been a situation where two teams have been undefeated so far into the season. Sunday's game is therefore unprecedented – there have even been grand finals that have not held the imagination as this game does; but then after all this game is just for four premiership points, and one less club will be undefeated after round 14 ... hang on – that sounds familiar ... While looking at Rogers Results on the best starts of the season I was struck at the difference between the 13 games and 14 games lists. There are now six teams who have been undefeated after 13 rounds, but there are currently only two teams who were undefeated after 14, next week (in the absence of a draw between St Kilda and Geelong) there will be three. What is it about round 14, specifically in the mid 1950s? Geelong by the end of round 13 1953 had created a new record of consecutive wins, and were preparing to face the club they had taken that record from (Collingwood), and by the end of round 13 in 1956 Melbourne were into their era of greatness which was to extend into the 60s, and looking to play the club that had defeated them in the grand final two years earlier (Footscray). It is history now that Collingwood ended Geelong's great run from 1952-3 and went on to beat Geelong in the 1953 grand final, and that Footscray gave Melbourne their first loss for the season. West Coast's first loss in 1991 was against Carlton ... in round 14. Maybe Michael can create a list of teams' latest first defeats in the season, Currently there are two teams on round 14, with one joining them this weekend. Interesting to note that the Western Bulldogs this season could emulate their 1956 predecessors and affect a potentially undefeated side; for no matter who loses on Sunday, both St Kilda and Geelong are scheduled to play the Bulldogs before the end of the season (St Kilda in Round 17, Geelong in round 21) both games at Docklands. Essendon's only loss in 2000 was to the Western Bulldogs. Collingwood in 1929 is still the only team to run undefeated through the home and away season ... at the moment ...

 

Defending the Flag ► After 13 rounds in 2009 the defending Premiers, Hawthorn find themselves outside of a finals berth position on the ladder. Can they recover from this and go on to defend their Premiership?  Here is an historical perspective on how other teams have faired in a similar situation in earlier seasons. Rogers Results

Stab Kicks ...

 There will be some, including myself who will breath a sigh of relief when the charge against Sydney's Barry Hall is finalised today.
Many suspect Hall has already played his last match with the Swans and will be happy to close the book and get on with re-building the playing group.
Hall, like many before him, will be remembered for not producing the potential he was capable.