OCTOBER 1997

GRAND FINAL VIEWING FIGURES
Viewing figures for the Grand Final’s in the two rival codes of AFL and Rugby League brought an interesting set of comparisons between 1996 and 1997–

TRADING GABFEST AT CARLTON
Just three days after the Grand Final the annual Gabfest between the 16 clubs took place at Optus Oval (Sept 30) when the career paths of many players were recharted … the 10-day official trading period began on October 7th in advance of the AFL National Draft scheduled at Football Park on Friday October 31st.

NORWOOD END 13-YEAR DROUGHT
The Redlegs from The Parade gave Port Adelaide a 73pt shellacking in the SANFL Grand Final on Sunday October 5. Norwood gained their 27th flag and first since 1984 with a thorough victory, 19.12-126 to 7.11-53.

VIATEL NEW COLLINGWOOD SPONSOR
The Magpies announced (2nd) the signing of telecommunications company VIATEL as its major sponsor. The $3 million deal is the most lucrative yet gathered by an AFL club—it’s for three years. The distinctive yellow and red VIATEL logo will appear on the front and back of the Pies guernsey and will result in an ‘away’ strip alternative of the famous black-and-white uniform so far unchanged since 1892.

BILLY BROWNLESS RETIRES
At 30, following 198 games and 441 goals for Geelong (1986-97) BILLY BROWNLESS announced his retirement.

DEPARTURES FROM CARLTON
Adding to the recent retirements of STEPHEN KERNAHAN, GREG WILLIAMS, MIL HANNA, JUSTIN MADDEN and EARL SPALDING, the Blues delisted ROHAN WELSH, LUKE O’SULLIVAN and DAVID WALLS.

TASMANIA RESTRUCTURE FOR ‘98
The TFL’s 11-club competition shed Sandy Bay, Hobart and Launceston from their 1998 starting line-up. New Norfolk was retained and a new club added, called Southern Districts based in the fast-growing Kingsborough.

STAB KICKS …
The Footscray Forever Committee and the Western Bulldogs board resolved their long-running name dispute—the letters FFC will be placed on the backs of jumpers above the number (Herald Sun, 2nd) … end-of-year footy trips saw clubs head to—Brisbane (Bali), Carlton (Cape Town), Collingwood (London), Geelong (Los Angeles), Hawthorn (USA), Demons (Sun City), Bulldogs (Cairns), North (Ireland), Richmond (Bali), St Kilda (Thailand), Sydney (London), West Coast (London) … WAYNE CAREY (NM) had further surgery to the left shoulder injured on March 27th — other Roos under the knife included, COREY McKERNAN (shoulder), ANTHONY STEVENS (knee), CHRIS GROOM (knee), JASON DANILTCHENKO (knee), DANNY STEVENS (hernia) and BRETT ALLISON (hernia) … working on his comeback, JASON DUNSTALL with 1200 goals to his credit stepped down from the Hawthorn captaincy …

SIX ON BENCH FOR ANSETT CUP ’98
The League on Oct 6th released the 15-match draw for the 1998 Ansett Cup. The series (using six inter-change players) opens in Hobart on Saturday Feb 21, with Brisbane and Fremantle playing in South Africa the next day at the Newlands cricket ground in Cape Town. The following weekend schedules Sydney and Melbourne at The Basin Reserve in Wellington. The March 21 playoff is rostered for Waverley or Footy Park.

MELBOURNE BAG JEFF WHITE
Fremantle traded the highly-sought 20-year old ruckman JEFF WHITE to the Demons on Oct 7th, in return for Melbourne’s No.2 and 18 draft selections. White’s deal was reported as $800,000 for three years—a sign on of $200,000, plus $200,000 per year.

FOUR PLAYERS GET OVER $300,000
The AFL released figures (8th) on the top salary earners. It was seen as a bid to hose down escalating demands in the trading war. Listed were four players in the ‘over $300,000’ bracket. Media speculation eyeballed—TONY LOCKETT (Syd), WAYNE CAREY (NM), DARREN JARMAN (Ade), and GAVIN WANGANEEN (PA) as the peak salary earners. 161 players or 25% of contracted players to the 16 AFL clubs were said to be receiving more than $100,000.

EAGLES BY 18pts AT THE OVAL
West Coast cruised to an easy victory in London over an inexperienced Collingwood before a vocal crowd of 11,500—WEST COAST 11.7-73 d Collingwood 8.7-55 (Sav Rocca 4).

A fortnight later the Magpies received a complaint from the London promoter CAPITALIZE to “unacceptable behaviour and noise” experienced at the 4-star Rochester Hotel—the high-jinks were rated as—”stupid, but not life-threatening”.

37 PLAYERS TRADED TO NEW CLUBS
Deals inked by the 2pm cut-off on Friday Oct 17 saw 37 players traded. Biggest deal was the swap of Sydney’s SHANNON GRANT with North’s vice-captain WAYNE SCHWASS.

SPORTSWRITER JACK DUNN PASSES
Revered in sporting circles for his dedication, humour, and a genuine “good bloke”—JACK DUNN, former Sun News-Pictorial legend passed away October 18, aged 78.

PRESTON DUMPED FROM VFL
Former VFA club, now the Preston Knights fell out of favour—the VFL Board (21st) refused to issue a licence to the club for the 1998 VFL season.

STAB KICKS …
Former North defender ROSS SMITH was appointed 1998 coach of new VFL side Bendigo … BARRY MITCHELL the former Swan-Pie-Blue now 31, was named as fitness adviser and senior runner by CARLTON … also at Optus, BARRY RICHARDSON, three-time flag-winning player at Richmond and more recently chairman of selectors with Melbourne was named to the same position with the Blues … BRIAN ROYAL moved up as senior assistant to TERRY WALLACE with the Bulldogs, while DAVID NOBLE takes over the Reserves … Collingwood and Richmond aim for an MCG Queen’s Birthday clash as a regular feature …

LAST OF THE DANIHER’s
CHRIS DANIHER announced his retirement at Essendon and return to the NSW family property at Ungarie. The four Daniher’s from 1978 to 1997 played 618 games for the Bombers—Terry 294, Chris 124, Anthony 118 and Neale 82—Terry (19 games) and Anthony (115) also played with the South Melbourne-Sydney combo.

GEELONG SACK NEIL KING AS CEO
Geelong’s latest CEO swiftly left his position on Oct 29, less than three months after he filled the vacancy left by GREG DURHAM on August 7th.

It was reported, King the former head for seven years of Athletics Australia came under pressure following him declining to report daily to REX GORELL, the powerful Cat director and a key player in the affair. King took legal advice on the matter. On November 5 the Cats appointed PHILLIP NUNN at their new CEO.

NATIONAL DRAFT—83 CHOSEN
The 12th annual National Draft was conducted at the Convention Centre at Adelaide’s Football Park on Friday October 31st.

From the extensive stable of young developing talent 83 were chosen. On the day of selection most ranged in the 17-18 age bracket, only 14 had reached 20—the eldest was 24.

TRAVIS JOHNSTONE, a 17 year-old midfielder from the Dandenong Stingrays was No.1 choice—he went to the Melbourne club.

NOVEMBER 1997

$7.8m FOR CANBERRA’s FOOTY PARK
Football Park in Canberra is set to receive a $7.8 million upgrade to include lighting and 15,000 semi-permanent seats. The upgrade will focus footy and night cricket at the venue. The 15,000 seats would be moved to Bruce Stadium when a 40,000 capacity is required for soccer or rugby matches.

FOOTY MANAGER MERRY-GO-ROUND
BRIAN WALTON was axed as footy manager by Richmond on the 3rd. In the days to come, after 10 years with the Dogs GARRY O’SULLIVAN resigned and took Walton’s place at Punt Road and in the continuing revamp, PAUL ARMSTRONG made his exit from Kardinia Park and moved to O’Sullivan’s role at Scray.

MAGPIES REVAMP THEIR JUMPER
In a break from tradition COLLINGWOOD announced (7th) a minor revamp of its famous guernsey. The middle black stripe will be broader and carry the Magpie logo for ‘away’ games—a few die-hards blanched.

STAB KICKS …
Full-back JAMIE SHANAHAN fails to reach terms with the Saints and will nominate for the February draft … in another contract dispute, Bomber ruckman PETER SOMERVILLE stops training at Essendon … ROB SNOWDEN former football and recruiting manager at Sydney was appointed football ops manager at PORT ADELAIDE … WEST COAST made a life-member of coach MICHAEL MALTHOUSE … GARRY O’DONNELL steps down as Essendon captain paving way for the naming of JAMES HIRD … GARY COLLING set to be replaced as football manager at St Kilda … TRARALGON exit from the VFL and create a passage for the PRESTON KNIGHTS to be retained … JOHN PLATTEN (258 games 1986-97) retired from Hawthorn—returning to his origins at CENTRAL DISTRICT … CARLTON SOCCER CLUB were undefeated in the first six rounds of the Ericsson Cup—a happier result from the disaster suffered by Colling-wood’s flirtation with the round-ball.

SCHWAB NEW HEAD OF UMPIRES
Former Hawthorn premiership player PETER SCHWAB, more recently assistant coach at both Richmond and Glenferrie Oval was named (10th) AFL umpires director of coaching.

AFL SIGN ON AT HOMEBUSH STADIUM
On November 10, the AFL announced it would become the first major tenant of Sydney’s $615m Olympic Stadium at Homebush after the 2000 Games. On a 10-year deal, six AFL matches at least would be played each year to a capacity of 72,000. The Sydney lease of the SCG expires in 2003.

INTER-CHANGE INCREASED TO FOUR
The AFL (17th) increased the inter-change bench to four players for the 1998 season—the $3.2m cap was upped by $75,000 to accommodate the change … the AFL will also retain the rookie list of up to six—the draft minimum age will stay at 18 years.

PETER MATERA—ALMOST A DEMON
West Coast’s dual premiership star (and most recent best & fairest Eagle) PETER MATERA opted (17th) to stay in Perth. This was despite frequent cross-country flights by Melbourne officials and an offer rumoured to be at least $1.8m over four years for the out-of-contract 167 game experience.

NEIL BUSSE RETIRES FROM TRIBUNAL
After 10 years as Chairman of the AFL Tribunal (18 years overall) NEIL BUSSE retired on Nov 22.

COLLINGWOOD CHOOSE MCG
The MCC and Collingwood signed a five-year deal on Nov 26 for a minimum of nine home games at the MCG beginning in season 1998.

$145 MILLION UPGRADE FOR THE MCG
An extension plan to roof the Olympic Stand and the top of the Members’ Reserve were revealed. The $145m project would equal that of the Great Southern Grandstand opened in 1992. The revamp will boost MCG capacity again past the magic figure of 100,000.

STAB KICKS …
RON RICHARDS stepped down from the Collingwood board after 47 years of service—Ron is 70 next May … the Saints aim their sights for more games at the MCG … DARREN BEWICK at 30, signed a new two-year deal with Essendon … following pressure from Victorian clubs, the AFL will review revenue sharing policies in respect of gate receipts—clubs often play interstate to sellout crowds and receive nothing in return …

BETS ARE ON FOR ’98
National Sportsbet’s first market for ’98 were posted—West Coast 5/1, Adelaide and St Kilda 9/1, Essendon 10/1, Bulldogs 19/1, Freo and Port at 66/1—Hawks 100 and Demons at 150.

85,022 AT MCG SOCCER
Australia drew 2-all with Iran on Saturday November 29 at the MCG for a record 85,022. However the Roos missed a place in the 1998 World Cup, on the away goals ruling.

DECEMBER 1997

ALVES GETS ANOTHER TWO YEARS
STAN ALVES was appointed (4th) St Kilda coach for two more years. He is now the second longest coach in St Kilda’s history—after ALLAN JEANS (1961-77).

PIES RECEIVE A BILL FROM LONDON
An aftermath of the Collingwood visit in October to London had a costly sequel. The Pies received a bill from the AFL for $6400 for damage to property and loss of business by the Rochester Hotel.

PLAYER SENTENCED TO JAIL
DARRYL WHITE, a 109-game player for Brisbane since 1992 was sentenced to two months jail when found guilty of assault in November 1996 of a man at a Brisbane nightclub. He was on bail pending an appeal.

RICHMOND SUPPORT DAPHNE
Ballots lodged by Saturday Dec 6th from over 13,000 Richmond members supported the Leon Daphne ticket. The first Tiger election since 1984 drew a record 59% response. Reform candidate MALCOLM BROWN failed to gain a seat on the Board.

SAWERS REPLACES LEVENS
Restructuring of the umpires department was completed (9th) by the naming of the record 410-match veteran ROWAN SAWERS as AFL Umpires Coach.

He replaces David Levens who will move to reassigned duties. Sawers will assist PETER SCHWAB recently appointed national umpires director of coaching.

STAB KICKS …
Former Glenferrie champion DERMOTT BRERETON was named a director of HAWTHORN, who will hold celebrations February 27-28 next year to mark their 125th anniversary … a giant video screen will be in place at Football Park for the 1998 season … the AFL is set to limit Kardinia Park games to eight from 1999, with three ‘home’ games in Melbourne—however the Cats are determined the $1.7m ground expansion to lift capacity at Geelong from 25 to 33,000 will go ahead … JAMES HIRD was appointed Essendon captain (10th) … JAMIE SHANAHAN, the discarded St Kilda full-back came to terms and started training with Melbourne—he struck a two-year deal and the Demons have formally notified the League, their intention to select the 125-game Shanahan with their first pick in February’s national draft … PORT ADELAIDE opened (12th) the $2.6m upgrade of their social club facility at Alberton Oval …

FIRST PLAYER SUMMIT — A SUCCESS
The first summit meeting with reps of the AFLPA held (10th) in Melbourne addressed many issues. The AFL outlined its views on –

<||> length of pre-season training
<||> increased drug testing over summer
<||> pursuance of its vilification rules
<||> Melbourne cannot sustain 10-clubs
<||> final season of the Reserves in 1999

The meeting was in advance of collective bargaining due to begin between the AFL and the AFLPA, late-1998.

HAWTHORN’s CEO RESIGNS
MORTON BROWNE the Hawk CEO resigned on Dec 11 after 12 months in the task. Seeking ‘other challenges’, Browne oversaw a turnaround from a $1.1m loss to a $308,204 profit.

DIRECTOR, ELECTED, THEN RESIGNS
The Collingwood club were reeling from a bitter election result. BARRY PRICE (158 games 1966-79) was elected to the Magpie board Thursday (11th) but resigned Saturday on a matter of principle after opponent Jack Kennedy was re-elected. Kennedy had suggested Price was opposed to the Pies move to the MCG and favoured the Docklands option.

CHAIRMAN KENNEDY RETIRES
AFL Commission chairman JOHN KENNEDY announced his retirement on Dec 15. The former player, coach and administrator had completed five years in the top job, and overall 47 years at the highest level of footy.

Former Essendon president RON EVANS, a commissioner since 1993 will become the new Chairman.

LIFELINE FOR ‘RESSIES’
The AFL (15th) threw a lifeline to clubs saying they can explore the possibility of having a team in the VFL competition. The last season of the Reserves comp is slated for 1999.

PRICE HAS A CHANGE OF HEART
The Pies were saved another election when Barry Price on Dec 16 rethought his actions and decided to sit on the seven-man Collingwood board.

DROP KICK IS OFFICIALLY DEAD
New manuals released on skills of the game have eliminated reference to the drop kick — departing the way of the place kick and the stab pass — footy romantics are reported to have wept.

STAB KICKS …
The Rugby Union Bledisloe Cup will return to the MCG on Saturday July 11th, in the State-of-Origin break … Channel Seven appointed long-serving GORDON BENNETT as Melbourne head-of-sport, with TIM WORNER returning to Sydney … Geelong ruck-man STEVEN KING broke his arm at training … former North on-baller PETER GERMAN was named the assistant to Hawk coach KEN JUDGE … former Tiger captain TONY FREE recently training with Collingwood abandoned his comeback attempt …

BLUES, CATS & TIGERS WAIT
CARLTON were still waiting on the AFL to decide if the $415,660 legal costs of the GREG WILLIAMS case would be included in their 1997 salary cap. The Blues face a potential fine of some $200,000 … meanwhile both RICHMOND and GEELONG are also waiting on a decision over their salary cap breaches.

<> Dashing wingman LEO TURNER of the 1951-52 premiership sides for Geelong passed away (17th) aged 69.

AYRES & WALLACE GAIN CONTRACT EXTENSIONS
Geelong added another two years to their appointment of coach GARY AYRES which will keep him at the Cattery until the end of 2000 … the Western Bulldogs similarly happy with TERRY WALLACE added a further three seasons, also to the end of 2000.

ASSISTANT COACHES NAMED
The recently retired MARK HARVEY was appointed assistant coach at Essendon for 1998. He’ll join MARK THOMPSON and ROBBIE KERR as assistants to Kevin Sheedy in the restructured football department … STAN MAGRO is the new assistant to Gerard Neesham at Fremantle, while BEN ALLEN is now full-time skills coach of the Dockers … former Roo PETER GERMAN as assistant, joins CHRIS CONNELLY (development coach) as full-time support to Ken Judge at Hawthorn.

JANUARY 1998

STAB KICKS …
MICK McGUANE was told by Carlton to meet the required fitness level by the start of February—he has undergone 14 operations during his career (155 games, 1987-97) … MIL HANNA the delisted 190 game (1986-97) Carlton veteran in training at Punt Road and is a likely pick-up by Richmond in the February draft—depending on their salary cap … JOSE ROMERO signed a new two-year deal with the Bulldogs … SIMON MADDEN the great Essendon ruckman (378 games 1974-92) joined Melbourne in their widening off-field staff … MICHAEL VOSS and ALASTAIR LYNCH will co-captain Brisbane again in 1998, with MATTHEW CLARK as vice-captain … LEIGH MATTHEWS joins the footy team on Melbourne’s MMM-FM … SCOTT CROW resolves a weeks-long dispute and re-signs with the Pies on a one-year deal …

BIRT FINISHES AFTER 40 YEARS
Former Essendon player JOHN BIRT (194 games, 1957-67) is no longer required by Brisbane. Over 40 years, Birt was involved with Carlton, Hawthorn, Footscray, Collingwood, Fitzroy and Brisbane after the merger.

PUNTERS CHOOSE NORTH & EAGLES
North are hot-favourites for the Ansett Australia Cup being quoted at 5/1 … in the big one, West Coast are favourites as 5/1 to win the AFL premiership cup, Adelaide, Saints, North, Brisbane and the Bombers are ranked equal second favourites at 8/1.

UMPIRE DENIS RICH AXED
From a career which started in 1978, Denis Rich, a veteran of 251 games and three Grand Finals will not have his contract renewed for season 1998. The AFL is reducing its contract list of umpires from 44 to 32.

NEVILLE WALLER PASSES
Neville Waller, centre half-back of Collingwood’s 1953 premiership passed away January 10 aged 65. He played 86 games, 1953-58 and joins recently departed Magpies, BILL TWOMEY and RON KINGSTON.

BUFFALOES HEADING SOUTH?
Moves for a team from the Northern Territory to enter either the SANFL or the Perth-based Westar Rules comp in 1999 are on hold pending sponsorship arrangements. Both nine-club comps would welcome a 10th team to eliminate an annoying bye.

DIRECT TELECASTS TO EXPAND
Adelaide and Brisbane seem set to follow the Sydney example of direct telecasts of matches against the gate. Sydney games have been live through-out their region in recent years, yet have still played to sellout crowds of 35,000 to 40,000 regularly.

SHEEDY HONOURED
KEVIN SHEEDY, the man who made jacket-waving an art form, was honoured on Australia Day, January 26th. The 50 -year-old Essendon coach of 400 AFL matches since 1981 was awarded a Member of the Order of Australia for service to football and the community.

STAB KICKS …
The Moonee Valley Racing Club conducted the nation’s first night racing meeting on Monday January 26—the seven race program drew a big crowd of 32,342 … premiership coach MALCOLM BLIGHT was dubbed Adelaide City Council’s citizen of the year for 1998, after taking the Crows to their first AFL title … payment of a $100,000 retirement package to former Geelong superstar GARY ABLETT almost went to court, but the Cats and player amicably settle the matter … CRAIG BRADLEY appears a shoe-in for the Carlton 1998 captaincy; he often led the Blues during the frequent absence of recently retired leader STEPHEN KERNAHAN …

FEBRUARY 1998

AFL FINES CATS, TIGERS & PIES
Geelong, Richmond and Collingwood on Feb 3 were fined for 1997 salary cap breaches. As a result, the three were precluded from participating in the February 17 pre-season draft.

Carlton however escaped when it was determined the $415,600 court costs of the Greg Williams challenge would not be included in the Blues’ salary cap.

Geelong, who breached their cap by $154,000 were fined $77,000—source of the excess was understood to have been contract and injury payments to GARY ABLETT.

The Magpies suffered a $47,500 fine for their $68,000 breach; a fine of $21,000 was imposed on Richmond who went over the cap by $54,000.

1998’s salary cap is $3.275 million.

SYDNEY LIMITS MEMBERS TO 24,500
How things can change!

Just four years ago, the Swans couldn’t give a ticket away, and were paying $2500 a week to get a page in Sydney’s Daily Telegraph.

In 1993, their membership was 3097. Sydney have announced they will apply a ceiling of 24,500 members. The Swans have already passed 22,000 and the figure increases daily.

SEAN DENHAM FINED
The books were finally closed on the Greg Williams affair when the AFL announced (3rd) Essendon’s SEAN DENHAM was fined $3000 for his part. A hearing last September found Denham guilty of ‘conduct unbecoming’ when he and Williams engaged in a verbal confrontation and the end of the Essendon-Carlton game in 1997’s first round game at the MCG.

FLYING START & ABLETT SPLIT
A two-paragraph 46-word statement ended the management arrangements between Flying Start (Australia) and the retired Geelong superstar GARY ABLETT. The Australian quoted industry sources saying, Ablett’s value was now minimal.

LEGAL BATTLE BREWING
The Age reported (6th) that after 18 months of investigation, the AFL are poised to deliver a bombshell.

Stephen Linnell reported: The issue is whether the money earned by a player while doing a promotion should be classed as a football payment.

The heart of the matter is how the AFL controls its salary cap and what are true football earnings.

It has the potential for being one of the biggest off-field stories of the year. One can almost hear lawyers ordering more pink ribbon.

STAB KICKS …
MIL HANNA is a casualty of AFL fines imposed on Richmond. Hanna after 12 years with Carlton (190 games, 1986-97) was training with the Tigers and hoped to continue his career. Richmond cannot participate in the draft and Hanna is expected to retire … NEIL BALME, dumped as Melbourne coach last May is expected to coach The Allies against the Vics in Brisbane on July 10 … PETER SUMICH (514 goals with West Coast) is training in Adelaide with Sturt and subject to employment opportunities will line-up with the SANFL Double Blues this season … Fremantle’s MICHAEL CLARK was the first ‘knee’ casualty – a reconstruction will be needed … with just 21 games over his last three seasons, injuries have overtaken 30-year-old MICK McGUANE - he announced his retirement. McGuane was a member of the 1990 Collingwood premiership and played 152 games with the Pies. He transferred to Carlton in 1997, but had only three games with the Blues before suffering injury … LEE WALKER, recovering from his fourth knee reconstruction was appointed to the Magpies coaching staff … the PERTH FC, born in 1899 sought assistance from the WAFL for money problems.

PRACTICE MATCHES START
Intra-club and practice matches started on Friday February 6. A modest 2000 fronted at Waverley to see Richmond and North in the opener. The suspended JUSTIN CHARLES was a standout performer for the Tigers with four goals, yet he will sit it out until the 17th round at least. The trial was noted by the return of North’s MATTHEW CAPUANO after missing the 1997 season with his second knee reconstruction—Tigers 22.12-144, North 8.13-61 … at Waverley, PETER EVERITT after his shoulder operation came through his first big test when the Saints had their intra-club hit out … in hot and steamy Darwin conditions on Saturday night, Essendon dominated the NT Buffaloes who failed to major until the final quarter, ESSENDON 8.10-58, NTFL 4.6-30 …

NEIL BUSSE TO HEAD SUB-COMMITTEE
A new AFL sub-committee was formed with NEIL BUSSE the former Tribunal chairman at its head. The key focus of the group will be to oversee the critical period of transition as the second-tier VICTORIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE moves to greater prominence following the demise of the AFL Reserves at the end of 1999.

RACIAL & RELIGIOUS VILIFICATION
AFL players and officials who breach confidentiality provisions in racial and religious vilification cases will face fines of up to $40,000. League CEO WAYNE JACKSON announced in Sydney that players could now have legal representation if appearing before the Tribunal under the racial vilification rule.

<> A player who breached confidentiality could be fined $10,000 for a first offence and $20,000 for subsequent offences.
<> Several times last year, the process failed when the case became public.

STAB KICKS …
The media had a field day when Sydney full-forward TONY LOCKETT signed with ADVANCED HAIR STUDIO, who are noted for their hair transplants … Melbourne radio men met on Thursday (12th) to arrange how to cover different starting times of 2.10 and 3.30pm matches. Days later, the time-honoured rotation system was scrapped, and the ABC, 3AW, Triple M and Magic 693 will broadcast any match they choose … it was proposed that an ANSETT CUP game in 1999 be played in DUBAI … Hawthorn’s JASON DUNSTALL made a surprise appearance at Waverley and played half-a-game in an intra-club practice. The 1200-goal super-forward (1985-97) is recovering from his second left knee reconstruction … the FINAL EIGHT system is under review — often it has been the subject of criticism, as being confusing and unbalanced … accepting it is still too early for a second AFL club in Sydney, the League will ‘encourage’ other clubs to play additional matches in the Harbour City … LES ‘Salty’ PARISH who played 87 games (1980-85) as a ruck-rover for Fitzroy passed away on Thursday (12th) at Cobram, aged 43 …

PRACTICE GAMES—FOUR BOOKED
Across Feb 13-15, pre-seasons meetings continued with many ‘star’ players rested. On Friday night at Football Park, Port and the Roos staged an aggressive clash which brought a 20pt win for North 10.11-71 to Port 6.15-51 … around 12,000 at Optus Oval saw SEAN CHARLES (ex-Mel) play a defensive big role in the Blues 36pt win over Collingwood, 13.11-89 to 7.11-53 … the two coaches TERRY WALLACE (WB) and NEALE DANIHER (Mel) tried 54 players in six quarters—the result didn’t count, but for the record, Dogs 18.19-127, Demons 18.17-125 … in Newcastle, 7500 in hot conditions saw TONY LOCKETT kick 4.1 in the first half then retire from the game along with PAUL KELLY and DARYN CRESSWELL. Sydney’s youngsters came back in the last term to down Brisbane 14.13-97 to 12.5-77 … Saturday night had 14,271 when JAMES HIRD led the Bombers to 20 point win over Adelaide, 10.11-71 to 6.15-51, crowd 11,993 … at Subiaco also on Saturday night, West Coast posted a big 20.15-135 to down Freo 9.5-59 … on Sunday at North Hobart Oval, the Saints zipped away and led all day from the Tigers, 12.12-84 to 10.6-66 … four players were charged from the weekend matches … though distant in plans, the SANFL’s NORWOOD club still aim for an AFL spot as Adelaide’s third club … TRENT CUMMINGS (WCE) became the second senior-listed player to face a knee reconstruction. While player for Fitzroy in 1996, Cummings had surgery on his other knee … days following his retirement, MICK McGUANE made his radio debut at Carlton with the 3AW team.

11 SELECTED IN PRE-SEASON DRAFT
The pre-season draft was conducted on Tuesday morning (17th). As expected, JAMIE SHANAHAN and JOEL SMITH were the first two players named. Eleven were selected in the following order —

SANFL DISTRIBUTES $3,780,000
The SA National Football League, holders of the two AFL licences, had an operating surplus of $5,887,967 for 1997—assets are $14,099,853.

A surplus of $3,780,000 was distributed to the nine member SANFL clubs, a rise of 23.5% over 1996.

STAB KICKS …
CRAIG BRADLEY was appointed captain of Carlton—his deputy will be STEPHEN SILVAGNI … the Dockers will loose HEATH BLACK for the early season following groin surgery … FILA, a new player in the football boot market have upped the ante by signing several prominent players to contracts worth up to $90,000. Geelong’s LEIGH COLBERT is the latest, joining Fraser Gehrig (WCE), Michael O’Loughlin (Syd), Glen Archer (NM) and Adam Heuskes (PA) with the player-manager RON JOSEPH prominent in all negotiations with the Italian manufacturer…

1998 ANSETT CUP UNDER WAY
The opening Cup game played at North Hobart Oval on Saturday (21) provided two leads for the season—Carlton are likely to struggle, and the Roos will again be a power. Without the injured McKernan, the Kangas ran away with a 45pt win, North 17.17-119, Carlton 11.8-74, crowd 10,000 … Sunday was a big day when the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town hosted the first official AFL match played outside of Australia. To the awesome backdrop of Table Mountain, Brisbane grabbed the first quarter initiative and were never headed, Lions 18.17-125, Fremantle 16.7-103. The crowd was posted as a generous 10,123 … in other practice matches; the Bulldogs at Waverley were slick on every line and broke the game open with a seven goal third quarter. The Saints’ woes continued when star forward JASON HEATLEY was booked for charging MATTHEW ROBBINS (WB) in the first term, ’Dogs 18.12-120, Saints 12.10-82 … at Alberton Oval (8,465), the Demons fell down up forward and Port were good winners in a tightly-fought trial, Port 11.11-77, Melbourne 7.3-45 … about 8,000 were at Macquarie University in Sydney where Essendon won a scrappy hit out from the Swans, 10.5-65 to 6.16-52. The focus was on MATTHEW LLOYD who kicked six goals, while TONY (“half-a-game”) LOCKETT kicked four in the space of 11 minutes in the second term … at Victoria Park, BRETT SPINKS for a second week showed the Cats may have found a new forward. His four goals were the difference, against the Hawks, Geelong 13.9-87, Hawthorn 8.8-56 …

INJURIES TO McKERNAN & CROCKER
North coach DENIS PAGAN admitted in Hobart that COREY McKERNAN, his key forward-ruckman will miss at least six weeks with a stress fracture to his right leg. Adding to the Arden Street toll, DARREN CROCKER came away from the Cup game in Hobart with suspected damage to the medial ligament of his right knee.

PLANS FOR A HOBART STADIUM
The TFL is fighting to obtain Federal Government funding for a 25,000-seat stadium at Hobart Showgrounds for AFL football. Should TFL delegates vote to proceed with the $35 million dream, North Melbourne may be one of the first to play regular games in Hobart. The Roos are keen to play scheduled games outside of Victoria to maximise their return from gates.

STAB KICKS …
Hawthorn in a meeting with consultants ARTHUR ANDERSEN are still pursuing their options to retain Waverley Park … AFL gm of footy ops, IAN COLLINS, will recommend the South African venture of an Ansett Cup game be continued in 1999 … MIKE SHEEHAN in The Herald Sun (21st) named his Top 50 for 1998. Heading his rankings were: WAYNE CAREY (NM), then JAMES HIRD (Ess), ROBERT HARVEY (StK), GLENN JAKOVICH (WCE) and CHRIS GRANT (WB) …

TIGERS HIT INJURIES IN ADELAIDE
Richmond lost five players in their Cup match on Monday night (23) in Adelaide—MATTHEW RICHARD-SON (left elbow), BRETT EVANS (fractured cheekbone), JOEL BOWDEN (broken right collarbone), DUNCAN KELLAWAY (broken nose) and NICK DAFFY (sprained ankle). The Tigers also had the game stolen from them in the last half-minute of play, ADELAIDE 17.10-112 to RICHMOND 15.18-108, crowd 17,953 …

TFL LOSE MAJOR SPONSOR
Launceston brewers J Boag & Son, sponsors of the TFL for the past 12 seasons withdrew their valuable $200,000 sponsorship on the eve of the 1998 season. The AFL who already support Tasmanian football each year with $500,000 may have to fill the breach if a new sponsor is not found.

TRIBUNAL – ROCK GETS TWO WEEKS
ANTHONY ROCK (NM) was found guilty of striking Ron De Iulio (Car) and suspended for two games. Rock’s only previous booking was in a 1993 practice match when he received one week for Andrew Gowers (Haw) … St Kilda forward JASON HEATLEY was cleared of ‘charging’ Matthew Robbins (WB) … PAUL DIMATTINA (WB) was found not guilty of striking Ryan O’Callaghan (StK) in a reserve grade trial.

ANSETT CONTINUE SPONSORSHIP
Ansett Australia confirmed it will sponsor the pre-season competition into season 2001.

CLUBS ADD THEIR ROOKIES
The AFL Rookie Draft was held on Tuesday (24) at the MCG. LINCOLN REYNOLDS, grandson to triple Brownlow medalist of the Thirties Dick Reynolds, wound up with the Bulldogs, after Essendon took South Fremantle’s DEAN RIOLI, the nephew of former Tiger great Maurie Rioli with their first selection.

Up to six rookies were named by some clubs.

EAGLES SOAR OVER LATE MAGPIES
Glen Jakovich and Peter Matera were outstanding in West Coast’s Wednesday night 54pt demolition of Collingwood at Subiaco, 13.12-90 to 5.6-36.

The Magpies’ decision to travel to Perth on the same day for the Ansett Cup match backfired and breached AFL guidelines.

The first flight from Tullamarine was delayed, then abandoned. Collingwood’s transfer to another flight landed them in Perth with less than three hours to spare—and into hot water, and a possible $20,000 fine.

STAB KICKS …
Geelong reappointed BARRY STONEHAM as captain for a third season—last year’s deputies Michael Mansfield, Leigh Colbert and Liam Pickering were retained … REX GORELL resigned as director of the Geelong club. Gorell, also a vice-prez was a key figure when NEIL KING departed the Kardinia Park CEO post last October … the Australian Tax Office is winding up its audit of the 16 AFL clubs. However, the tax affairs of many key players will continue … CAMPBELLTOWN, a Sydney outer-suburban club are making six-figure overtures to retired super-forward GARY ABLETT—the Towners play in the ACT AFL competition …

SPONSOR CRISIS FOR ‘PIES
Last October, Collingwood trumpeted the record $3 million sponsorship deal with VIATEL COMMUNICATIONS. It has now been revealed the Viatel figurehead JOHN MASSEY has worked under three different names and there are a series of questions to his substance.

WEEKEND ANSETT CUP GAMES
The First Round Ansett Cup matches were completed — on Friday at Footy Park (17,024) PETER EVERITT was the big man difference as the SAINTS 18.11-119 posted a 20pt win over PORT 14.15-99 … MATTHEW LLOYD kicked five in the first term and 10.2 for the night when ESSENDON 19.11-125 demolished HAWTHORN on Saturday night at Waverley for 34,536 fans — Lloyd’s effort equalled the best in the night series by PETER SCHOFIELD (NM) versus South, 59-1R-AP, PETER McKENNA (Col) v Fit, 68-1R-AP and MICHAEL ROACH (Rch) v Swan Districts, 82-QF-P … at the tiny Basin Reserve in Wellington NZ on Sunday afternoon, 7,820 saw the Demons out-play the more-fancied Swans and record a 12pt win, MELBOURNE 15.15-105, SYDNEY 14.9-93 … on Monday night at Waverley (10,509) the Bulldogs crushed the Cats by 63pts, WEST. B’DOGS 22.12-144, GEELONG 12.9-81 …

MARCH 1998

UMPIRES’ ACTION THROUGH IRC
A hearing in the Industrial Relations Court on March 31 will determine if the IRC have jurisdiction to hear applications lodged by umpires DENIS RICH and MARK PRINCE. The two umpires did not have their contracts renewed when the AFL reduced lists from 44 to 32 ...

TRIBUNAL—TWO FOR SHANE ELLIS
SHANE ELLIS (WB) was suspended for two matches for striking Brenton Sanderson (Gee)—it was described as ‘reckless contact with the head’. It was Ellis’ third guilty verdict in less than 12 months.

MICHAEL SYMONS (Ess) and DANIEL CHICK (Haw) were each fined $1500 for wrestling. Tribunal chairman BRIAN COLLIS said the recent tribunal tradition of dividing a player’s salary into 52 weeks has been abandoned.

STAB KICKS …
A new US cable channel, FOX Sports World will televise a Saturday AFL match live, with another match, plus the one-hour highlights package as part of their 1998 season coverage … KATRINA PRESSLEY became the first woman to be appointed to an official AFL match. She’ll only be a reserve in the Adelaide v Brisbane Ansett Cup game, but a full appointment is expected soon. At 27, Katrina is one of six (four goals, two boundaries) female umpires from the QSFL.

BOB KUPSCH, a Collingwood member of their 1955 and 1956 grand final sides passed away March 3 …

ANSETT CUP QUARTER FINALS
Quarter Finals were conducted in four contests over Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon, March 6-7-8-9 … thanks to a seven goals to one second term, the Lions on Friday night ran out 55pt winner over the Crows at the Gabba, BRISBANE 18.17-125 (Lappin 5) ADELAIDE 10.10-70 (crowd: 11,871) … on Grand Prix eve a disappointing 30,850 at the MCG saw North produce a stunning last half, kicking 12 goals to one to slam the Bombers by 47pts, NORTH 16.14-110, ESSENDON 8.15-63 … a near full-strength St Kilda surged into the semi’s when it thrashed an inexperienced West Coast by 98pts on Sunday night at Waverley (15,817), SAINTS 24.18-162 (Loewe 5), EAGLES 10.4-64 (McIntosh 4) … on Monday night at Waverley (13,537) in a tough-nut affair, Melbourne maintained their return to form with a 24pt victory over the Western Bulldogs, DEMONS 13.10-88, DOGS 9.10-64 …

PRACTICE GAMES
In an extended trial of six quarters involving 76 players on Saturday at Waverley, Geelong used 42 senior-listed players and rookies before losing to Sydney, 12.12-84 to 11.15-81 … on Sunday at Tatura for 6000 fans, COLLINGWOOD 13.10-88 pipped HAWTHORN 11.16-82 … goals in the last two minutes at Fremantle Oval produced a tight win for PORT ADELAIDE 13.8-86 over FREMANTLE 10.12-72 — the heated last quarter drew a close video review ...

STAB KICKS …
DAVID LEVENS, the former AFL umpires coach received a payout for losing his job, however details were confidential. The 49-year-old Levens hopes to continue a career in sport … DAVID GRENVOLD at 32 was asked to stay at Windy Hill as captain of the Reserves … JOE MISITI (broken jaw), BARRY YOUNG (a home knee injury) and STEVEN ALESSIO (foot stress fracture) add to the long-term injury list at Essendon which also includes MARK MERCURI, DARREN BEWICK, MICHAEL LONG and BLAKE CARACELLA … The Cats unveiled a radical new strip to be worn by GEELONG in all away matches. Prominent are the three bands of club sponsor adidas and the GFC logo. FORD also feature on the blue back with a white number … JASON DUNSTALL will lead HAWTHORN for a fourth season—Paul Salmon, Shane Crawford and Nick Holland will be his deputies … the AFL PLAYERS’ ASSOCIATION on Tuesday (10th) held an interstate video meeting with members. Club captains and delegates discussed the present unrest of changes with the AFLPA executive.

NORWICH PRIZE BOOSTED TO $20,000
Prize-money for the AFL’s ‘baby Brownlow’ was boosted. The Norwich Rising Star Award will now carry an investment portfolio worth $20,000.

ANSETT CUP SEMI-FINALS
North surged to their second Ansett Cup Grand Final in four years, with another dominating last half on a wet Waverley surface on Friday night (13th). The Roos were the masters over Brisbane in the low-scoring conditions, NORTH 14.16-100, LIONS 8.7-55 (crowd: 10,015) … on Saturday evening at the Park for 28,054, conditions were clearer as the Saints with a rattling last term of 7.2 despatched the Demons by 37pts, ST KILDA 15.12-102, MELBOURNE 9.11-65 (Farmer 5) …

Saturday practice games—at Berri (7,512) Geelong 10.9-69 defeated Adelaide 5.16-46 … at Football Park (7,700) Port 15.10-100 d Haw 14.8-92 … at Waverley, WCE 11.9-75 pipped Rch 10.12-72 … while in Canberra at Football Park (8,247), Syd 18.10-118 d Ess 10.11-71 … on Sunday at Bendigo’s QEO, Carlton for 11,000 fans too good for the Bulldogs, 15.17-107 to 10.15-75, as were the Pies who downed Fremantle at Vic Park, 20.9-129 to 7.9-51 …

FURTHER INJURIES FOR TIGERS
DAVID BOURKE with a dislocated shoulder suffered at Waverley against the Eagles has been ruled out for at least six weeks—he will have an arthroscope … MATT RICHARDSON on Saturday (14) had metal plates inserted to his left elbow after a break in Adelaide on Feb 23 …

STAB KICKS ...
FREMANTLE protested to the condition of the visitors’ dressing rooms at Vic Park—a familiar, even old-fashioned complaint from last Sunday included “no hot water in the Dockers room after the match” … a groin injury to MARK MERENDA adds him the Richmond tally … the AFL have given Port coach JOHN CAHILL until Monday (23) to explain comments made on Adelaide radio; he faces a fine of up to $5000 …

UMPIRES’ STRIKE AVERTED
An opening round strike by umpires was averted at a two-hour Monday meeting with the League. A new agreement is said to be ‘close’.

VINEY REPLACES LYON AS CAPTAIN
TODD VINEY replaced GARRY LYON as captain of Melbourne. Lyon had led the Demons in 117 games over seven seasons (1991-97), the equal in time of ROBERT FLOWER, 127 matches (1981-87). Glenn Lovett and David Neitz will be deputies to Viney. A back injury has restricted Lyon to 11 games in the past two seasons.

STAB KICKS ...
COLLINGWOOD having talks with a public relations firm, in a move to raise its image … the shoulder injury to DAVID BOURKE (Rch) may side-line him all the season … Bulldog on-baller MARK WEST with a shoulder injury will not play until mid-season … Pie prez KEVIN ROSE responding to flak over Vic Park facilities said the SCG visitors rooms were the worst in the AFL – Rose was unaware the SCG Trust have just spent $580,000 upgrading visiting team facilities; slightly more than the $200,000 to be outlayed at the crumbling Abbotsford venue … JOHN WORSFOLD was named captain of West Coast for an eighth successive season. Worsfold at 29 on 192 games (1987-97), will be the longest serving captain in the AFL. As expected, GUY McKENNA was appointed the Eagles’ vice-captain.

ANSETT CUP GRAND FINAL
Carey steals the show

A quality performance by North champion WAYNE CAREY sealed the Ansett Cup for the Kangas in the night Grand Final played at Waverley on Saturday night March 21.

Carey produced a great final quarter effort, in which he kicked four of his five goals, leading North to a 14pt victory over a capable St Kilda outfit. Carey finished with 27 possessions, including nine marks.

The Saints led by 34pts early in the third term, but North illustrated a never-give-in desire and with a great team effort led by Carey and ably assisted by Fremantle import WINSTON ABRAHAM, the Roos turned the game around with a dominating finish.

The match was played in a superb spirit by both sides to a large crowd of 63,760.

In the winning side, JOHN BLAKEY (NM) made his 32nd night appearance and equalled the game record of CHRIS LANGFORD (Haw).

Both North and the Saints are certain front-runners for the main premiership season.

FINAL PRACTICE GAMES
In advance of the premiership opening the final practice matches were played on Saturday (21st) — at Optus Oval, the free-scoring Essendon 21.8-134 whipped Carlton 8.6-54 — GARY MOORCROFT with five goals added lustre to the Dons potent forward brigade which already boasts JAMES HIRD and MATTHEW LLOYD … in Sydney's sweltering heat (30-plus) at Campbelltown's Monarch Field, the reigning premiers Adelaide suffered injuries to MATTHEW ROBRAN and ROD JAMESON and another blow when the Swans game clicked, 12.5-77 to 5.9-39 … at Kardinia Park, Hawthorn's JASON DUNSTALL took five marks and kicked two goals in a trial which pleased both coaches—Geelong 10.10-70 clipped the visitors 9.10-64 … the former Kanga JASON DANILTCHENKO now with the Hawks, had his left knee buckle in the last quarter—a reconstruction is certain to end his season; Jason previously had surgery to his right knee …

STAB KICKS …
ALAN JOYCE, former Hawthorn and Footscray coach joined Fremantle as their Melbourne-based scout … North named WAYNE CAREY as captain for a sixth-straight season – deputies will be Glen Archer, Corey McKernan, David King and Peter Bell … WAYNE CAREY after a blow to his kidneys in the Cup grand final passed blood—tests cleared him, but he failed to train on Monday night … West Coast make moves to secure the future of MICHAEL MALTHOUSE, their dual-premiership coach since 1990—his present deal ends this year …

UMPIRES SEAL A DEAL
An agreement running until October 31 2000 was sealed between the AFL Umpires Association and the League on March 23.
Umpires who earned about $30,000 last year will enjoy increases for some senior members to receive up to $90,000 in the year 2000. In addition to gaining injury payments and an allowance for attending tribunal and appeal hearings, the League will also contribute $30,000 to create a secretariat for the AFLUA and the establishment of a provident fund.

STAB KICKS …
No action will be taken over comments made by Port Adelaide coach JOHN CAHILL to recent treatment of Port Power skipper GAVIN WANGANEEN and the Tribunal. … figures revealed 43% of Sydney members are women. Recognising their female supporter base, the Swans are offering two $10,000 scholarships, one for further studies, the second to a promising female athlete … the Demons announced (25) the Korean multinational LG ELECTRONICS would become the major naming sponsor of the MELBOURNE club for the next three years in a deal worth $2.5 million—Toohey's, the previous major sponsor is to be shorts sponsor … a five-month gap when no AFL players were tested was closed when a new agreement was signed with the AUSTRALIAN SPORTS DRUG AGENCY … RESERVOIR-LAKESIDE which provided Tony Shaw and the Rocca brothers to Collingwood withdrew from the Diamond Valley League due to a lack of players. Days later Edwards Lake, the stamping ground of the Lakies was closed, after all the ducks died …

OVERSEAS GAMES ON HOLD
AFL chief WAYNE JACKSON ruled out the playing of premiership matches outside of Australia "as far as we can see…"

Speaking at a Rotary lunch (25th) he said a repeat of the overseas Ansett Cup games would not be staged unless there was a long-term strategic reason to do so.

Jackson also noted: "Merely maintaining the status quo in NSW, Victoria and the other states will not take our sport to a position of primacy. If we are going to defend our position as a national competition, then we must grow grass-roots football throughout the whole of Australia and particularly in NSW and Queensland."

Friday night thriller starts 1998
'Twilight' matches introduced
The Bulldogs whip the Lions
Crows fail again at Carlton

ROUND 1 – Fri-Sat-Sun, March 27-28-29.
MILESTONES — North and West Coast opened the new season on Friday night at the G for a below-expectation 27,150 fans. North in their 250th game at the MCG served up West Coast’s 100th League defeat  … the first 3.40pm start “twilight” game was played on Saturday at the MCG … JOHN BLAKEY played his 250th (Fit 135, 1985-92, now 115 with NM) …  four reached their century of games bringing up 1500 players to play 100 matches since 1897 — PETER CAVEN (Fit 39, Syd 18, now Ade 43), DUNCAN KELLAWAY (Rch), DREW BANFIELD (WCE), ROHAN SMITH (WB) … four also reached 50 games, JUSTIN MURPHY (Rch 12, now Car 38), SCOTT CROW (Haw 13, now Col 37), RYAN O’CONNOR (Ess), JARRAD SCHOFIELD (WCE).

<||> The Roos and the Eagles played another of their gritty, take-no-prisoners style of contest for 27,150 fans at the G. In the third term it seemed as though the effects of the short time-span between their Ansett Cup triumph would make North pay dearly, in spite of the $104,000 prize money they gained six days before. The Roos were ‘gone’ — yet they fought back doggedly to gain a thrilling final goal victory when Adam Simpson’s left-foot snap bounced through. After the match North coach Denis Pagan said: “It was a touch of grand larceny.” The versatile CRAIG SHOLL (five goals) was an inspiration. WAYNE CAREY was checked by GLEN JAKOVICH, but Sholl provided the alternative avenue North desperately needed — NORTH 15.13-103 (Sholl 5) best, Sholl, Archer, King, WEST COAST 15.11-101 (Ball 4) best, Peter Matera, Ball, Cousins.

<||> Adelaide, missing six of their premiership side had a great start and looked the ‘goods’ in another contest at Carlton. The Blues to that stage had played terrible football and deservedly trailed the Crows by 27pts.

On the Blues’ performance, Charles Happell of The Age reported: One pattern of play late in the first quarter summed up their misery: Andrew McKay missed a teammate with a regulation handball in the centre of the ground, Matthew Allen then fumbled, skipper Craig Bradley followed suit, and then Aaron Hamill spilled a chest mark. It was a bloopers’ tape special.

The Blues staged a remarkable last-half recovery sparked by ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES, while BRETT RATTEN was fantastic in the middle. It was only a 10pt margin at the finish but another worrying seventh loss in-a-row capitulation for the Crows who had looked certain winners, CARLTON 10.13-73 (Koutoufides 3) best, Koutoufides, Ratten, Manton, ADELAIDE 9.9-63, best, Caven, Ricciuto, Bickley—crowd: 20,747.

<||> The fans gave tentative approval of the first ‘twilight’ game as 47,628 turned out at the MCG for the 3.40pm bounce-down. The result of the historic event was a comfortable 39pt win for Collingwood. Hawthorn may have snatched a two point lead at half-time but in the last half it was a canter for the Pies. Overall, NATHAN BUCKLEY from the midfield was in superb touch with 10 marks and three goals. More than any other player, Buckley gave the Woods a flying start. Jake Niall of The Age predicted: … while the Hawks remain favourites for the spoon, the Pies and their supporters can dare be hopeful.

Hawk captain JASON DUNSTALL returned from his second knee repair and kicked four goals from limited chances, while SAV ROCCA was robust but off-target with 4.5 for the day, COLLINGWOOD 18.15-123 (S.Rocca 4) best, Buckley, Crosisca, Schauble, HAWTHORN 12.12-84 (Dunstall 4) best, Taylor, McCabe, S.Crawford.

<||> Waverley Park on Saturday turned on some of its well-known ‘features’ of rain and high winds, with 23 of the 30 goals kicked to the scoreboard end. ROBERT HARVEY (StK) was taken out of the game in the first two minutes when the Brownlow medalist received a heavy tackle, and retired with suspected broken ribs. St Kilda were a class above a mistake-prone and injury-struck Geelong, starting their campaign with a three-goal win, ST KILDA 17.7-109 (Loewe 4) best, Cripps, Brown, Peckett, GEELONG 13.13-91 (Spinks 4) best, Sanderson, Hocking, Spinks—crowd: 34,323.

<||> On the Saturday night game at the Gabba (18,788) Tim Atkinson in The Age said: “The Lions were made to look like a flea-bitten circus act by the speedy and talkative Western Bulldogs …"

The Western Bulldogs in humid conditions were too committed and with the effective SCOTT WEST (33 touches) in sparkling form, they scored the biggest win of the round. Nothing the Lions tried could stem the thrashing, WEST.B’DOGS 17.16-118, best–S.West, Croft, Dent, BRISBANE 10.12-72, best–Ashcroft, Hart, M.Voss.

<||> The Swans won their first opening round contest since 1990 in the Sunday clash with Port at Footy Park (31,230). Opening with two STUART MAXFIELD goals in the first 90 seconds, an on-target Sydney raced away to lead by 39pts midway in the third term, when they had 18.2 on the board. Port Adelaide turned the battle into a contest and within a quarter drew within one point of the visitors. TONY LOCKETT provided the breathing space and the Swans with a tight victory by seven points, SYDNEY 20.4-124 (Filandia 5.0, Lockett 4) best, Filandia, Roos, Kelly, PORT 17.15-117 (Eagleton 4, Burgoyne 4) best, Eagleton, Burgoyne, Mead.

<||> In a crowd-pleasing tussle for 70,200 on Sunday at the MCG, Essendon controlled three-quarters of the contest, then were overrun by a ferocious bunch of Tigers who had 103 disposals to 62 in the last term. The Bombers with a considerable injury list failed to live up to expectations. To balance the equation, Richmond’s forward line will be boosted when MATTHEW RICHARDSON returns, RICHMOND 14.19-103–best, Knights, Campbell, B.Gale, ESSENDON 13.11-89 (Lloyd 4) best, O’Donnell, Hardwick, Fletcher.

<||> In Perth heat of 32 degrees, the Dockers lost both their captain and vice-captain, PETER MANN and STEPHEN O’REILLY before the game. Freo seemed to be digging a grave for itself in the lush Subiaco turf and the Demons seemed likely to turn things around for their new coach Neale Daniher. However the heat took its toll on the visitors and mid-game the Dockers with nine-straight goals took control and surged away for a 23pt win. TRAVIS JOHNSTONE (Mel) and BRAD DODD (Fre) were the pick of the rookies, but JIM STYNES (Mel) in his 241st consecutive game showed there’s a lot of life left in the Irishman, FREMANTLE 13.6-84 (Waterhouse 5) best, Kickett, Bandy, Waterhouse, MELBOURNE 8.13-61–best, Schwarz, Neitz, Viney—crowd: 18,155.

FROM THE ROUND …
<> The opening round drew 268,221—far lower than predictions … TONY LOCKETT (Syd) had two goals disallowed at Footy Park—the first right on half-time when umpires ruled he had played on after the siren. The second came in the dying seconds of the last term, when Plugger was ruled to have received a thrown ball from Craig O’Brien … <> ROBERT HARVEY (StK) on Sunday was cleared of broken ribs but is unlikely to be fit for the Round 2 clash against the Bombers … <> PETER FILANDIA (Syd) returning from two knee reconstructions, kicked 5.0 versus Port … <> GREG WILLIAMS, the retired 250-gamer is now a skills coach at Carlton. He has one more match to serve of his nine-week suspension before he can take the field in an AFL game. Greg will be clear in time for the Round 3 clash on East Monday—against Essendon …

TRIBUNAL
At Monday’s hearing, GLENN FREEBORN (NM) was suspended for two weeks when found guilty of striking John Worsfold (WCE) … BRAD SCOTT (Bri) was cleared of the charge of striking Scott West (WB).

DARREN JARMAN (Ade): Following viewing of video evidence e on Monday, his charge of striking Scott Camporeale was withdrawn by umpires.

On Monday, following media coverage, the Brisbane club officially lodged a complaint against an incident involving TONY LIBERATORE (WB).

STAB KICKS …
<> An out-of-court settlement believed worth $40,000 closed the case on an action by two umpires to the IRC. Though negotiations were confidential, The Age (1st) estimated DENIS RICH and MARK PRINCE may have received $25,000 and $15,000 respectively … <> the AFL inspected (3rd) work at Kardinia Park and gave Geelong the nod to host their weekend clash with Richmond — extensions will increase capacity to 32,000 … <> the AFL moved two games from Waverley. The Pies will now play the Sydney (R7) and West Coast (R17) games at Vic Park … <> ANDREW JARMAN was named as a State of Origin selector for SA … the Bombers named four vice-captains to JAMES HIRD — Michael Long, Sean Denham, Steve Alessio and Darren Bewick … <> the Saints are experimenting with a new boot claimed to make players kick more accurately — it has a flat ‘platform’ across the toe of the boot … <> the Tigers reported its membership had passed 24,000 …

GABBA WILL SEAT 40,000
The Queensland Government announced a new sports stadium package. The Ballymore rugby union stadium will be upgraded and a new $900 million privately funded project will cater for 65,000 spectators in a super-stadium to be built at Rivercity.

The BCG Trust announced further extensions will increase capacity of the Gabba to 40,000 by January 2000. Work will begin this June.

The $40 million project will bring to $126.5 million the amount spent on the BCG since it became Brisbane’s AFL home in 1993.

VIC CLUBS EXPRESS CONCERN
The Age (2nd) reported Victorian clubs met on Wednesday and created a united front on two key issues. Carlton prez JOHN ELLIOTT will meet AFL chiefs to express concerns over the elimination of the Reserves competition and the impact of games being televised earlier each Saturday in the Melbourne market.

“CHARGE IT TO MY CARD”…
Carlton, Collingwood, Geelong and St Kilda signed long-term deals with CITIBANK but will still benefit from a new AFL deal signed with the ANZ Bank.

The AFL deal on behalf of all 16 clubs is worth at least $1.6 million. ANZ-AFL credit cards with club logos are expected to be in the pockets of fans by June.

North get the Demons virus
Only Dogs and Swans are unbeaten
Crows & Dons down by huge margins
Hawks on the bottom

ROUND 2 — Fri-Sat-Sun, April 3-4-5.
MILESTONES — PAUL SALMON (Ess, now Haw) played his 250th … MICHAEL SEXTON (Car) his 150th, while DAVID PITMAN (Ade) and SHAUN SMITH (NM, now Mel) reached their centuries … CRAIG O’CALLAGHAN (Fre) his 50th game… RODNEY EADE in his 50th as Sydney coach recorded a welcome victory … SHANNON GRANT (Syd, now NM) and MICHAEL O’LOUGHLIN (Syd) played their 50th consecutive matches …

<||> The Friday night opener at Subiaco (38,796) was a powerhouse display by the Eagles. Their big men dominated Collingwood as JAKOVICH and McINTOSH were strong in defence while GEHRIG and BALL provided the attack focus. A 10-goal defeat failed to credit the spirit the Magpies gave the contest in the last half, but they thoroughly out-gunned, WEST COAST 17.14-116 (Ball 4) best, Schofield, Gehrig, Braun, COLLINGWOOD 8.8-56—best, Osborne, Russell, A.Rocca — it was West’s sixth successive win over the Pies.

<||> Reporting on the Saturday clash at Kardinia Park (26,669) JAKE NIALL in The Age said: …the Tigers lacked the polish to finish off the Cats. When the game was in the balance early in the last quarter, with the scores level, the Tigers were simply unable to find another gear.

MARK MERENDA played a lone hand up forward with four goals, while Tiger captain MATTHEW KNIGHTS was a class act (though he was reported). BRAD OTTENS a new arrival at Punt Road showed great promise with strong marks. The Cats still have their problems in ruck and on the forward line, yet came away with the points, GEELONG 14.15-99 (Burns 3, Hall 3) best, Hocking, McGrath, Sanderson, RICHMOND 11.14-80 (Merenda 4) best, Knights, Merenda, Kellaway — MATTHEW RICHARDSON (Rch) though returning showed his fractured arm had still not properly healed.

<||> Port Adelaide consigned Hawthorn to the bottom of the ladder to record their first win at Waverley (18,698) with a strong Saturday display. Minus the withdrawal of both DUNSTALL and JUSTIN CRAWFORD the Hawks lacked cohesion and received no drive from their appointed leaders. Their third term “was probably the worst played by the Hawks in more than 15 years” ASHLEY BROWN declared in The Age.

In contrast, Port gave a great team-effort and surged away after half-time for their 45pt victory, PORT 17.10-112 (Cummings 7.1, Lade 4) best, Wilson, Cummings, Kingsley, HAWTHORN 10.7-67 (Krummel 4) best, Graham, Krummel, Lekkas.

<||> The Demons hit North with a burst from the first bounce in the Saturday MCG ‘twilight’ contest for 29,990 fans. The boot appeared to be on the other foot for most of the gave — it was Melbourne who appeared to have grasped the tag as ‘premiership contenders’. Not until they trailed by 43pts midway into the third term did the Kangas get their game going.

North charged home and all but drew level, then to confirm they are a ‘new’ team under coach NEALE DANIHER, the Demons steadied and slammed on closing goals for a comfortable 25pt win, MELBOURNE 19.11-125 (White 3, Neitz 3, Lyon 3, Farmer 3) best, Leoncelli, Rigoni, Stynes, NORTH 15.10-100 (Abraham 3, Carey 3) best, Carey, Blakey, A.Stevens.

<||> The best crowd ever see Sydney and Brisbane play were at the SCG on Saturday night. Played at a frantic pace, the lead changed frequently in the first half. Brisbane appeared to gain the better of Sydney in the third term, but the Swans clawed their way back to maintain the lead they held at every break. From the seven-minute mark of the final quarter, Sydney with four goals in five minutes broke the back of the Lions and went away by 38pts.

The game was sparked by great performances by both WAYNE SCHWASS and PAUL KELLY, who provided inspirational midfield drive.

The match also gave an insight to the dwindling value of TONY LOCKETT. Almost kickless, he was moved to the ruck in the third and soon left for the bench. He did kick the final goal of the game, however by then a Sydney victory was well locked away, SYDNEY 20.15-135 (Schwass 3, Kelly 3, O’Brien 3) best, Schwass, Barry, Nicks, BRISBANE 14.13-97 (Leppitsch 3, Power 3) best, Voss, A.Lynch, T.Lynch — crowd: 32,111. Sydney are unbeaten after two, Brisbane winless and down to 15th place.

<||> 40,602 watched Adelaide chairman BOB HAMMOND unfurl the 1997 pennant at Football Park in perfect Sunday conditions. The Crows with a 7.3 opening led all day to inflict a demoralising 93pt defeat on Fremantle. ALAN SHIELL reviewing the game in The Age: The trouble was that although the Dockers played so pitifully, it would be premature – and silly – to put Adelaide’s 93pt win into any long-term perspective.

Even Freo coach GERARD NEESHAM (who is at short odds to lose his job) said: There was a lack of run and definitely quick a lack of endeavour — ADELAIDE 25.17-167 (Sampson 6, McLeod 6) best, Bickley, Rehn, McLeod, FREMANTLE 11.8-74 – best, Bond, Fletcher, Burton.

<||> The Bombers gave the Saints a very-public 89pt flogging at the MCG (53,905) on Sunday. The well-drilled Sheedy unit were merciless. Though the Dons were cut-down by injury Hird (hamstring) Somerville (concussion), Barnard (concussion) and Symons (ankle), their remaining 18 were on a roll following their first round defeat. A surprise star performer was the often criticised MARK FRASER—he was one a rampant midfield, where the Saints were expected to be at their strongest.

ESSENDON 28.14-182 (Moorcroft 6, Lloyd 5, Mercuri 3) best, Moorcroft, Fraser, Blumfield, ST KILDA 13.15-93 (Loewe 4) best, Everitt, Loewe, Sierakowski — the Dons kicked 10.4 in the third, yet the 89pt margin ranked only 11th of their biggest wins in 187 games against the Saints.

<||> At Carlton on Sunday, a better than average crowd of 27,846 saw the Western Bulldogs retain top position with a through 56pt win over the Blues. Only in the first 15 minutes of the game did Carlton give hope to their army of fans. From there, the Doggies were slick, always in control and on several occasions moved from one end of the ground to the other without the opposition touching the ball.

The Bulldogs kicked eight unanswered goals and by half-time had secured a victory. The Blues did improve after the break booting five goals, but the Dogs just went further ahead by adding eight of their own. The Blues’ brains-trust have a lot of work to do; the Dogs with Grant and Scottie West on fire will scratch out their fair share of wins, BULLDOGS 22.8-140 (Cook 6, Kolyniuk 4) best, S.West, Grant, Cook, CARLTON 13.6-84 (Silvagni 3) best, Porter, Silvagni, Bradley — The Bulldogs’ 56pt margin was just three points short of their biggest win over Carlton, 59pts, 89-R1-PP when JOHN GEORGIADIS burst onto the scene with 8.4 for Footscray.

FROM THE ROUND
Reported crowds for the second round totalled 265,543. This was marginally down on the 268,409 which attended the opening round fixtures. Total for the first rounds reached 533,952, at an average of 33,372 from the first 16 matches.

PAUL SALMON (Haw) in his 250th suffered a depressed cheekbone fracture, requiring surgery … SHAUN SMITH (Mel in his 100th, damaged his left knee versus North – a scan result is awaited … Geelong fans on Saturday bade farewell to the retiring BILLY BROWNLESS who gave the Cats a champion 198 games and 441 goals from 1986 to 1997. Another Cat retiree from 1997 was invited, but as expected failed to show.

TRIBUNAL
KNIGHTS, SPINKS & KICKETT OUT
Richmond captain MATTHEW KNIGHTS who pleaded not guilty received a two-match suspension at Monday’s AFL Tribunal hearing.
Knights was found to have struck Geelong’s Brett Spinks with an open hand. It was his first suspension from 176 League games over 11 seasons.
BRETT SPINKS (Gee) who pleaded guilty was outed for three matches for striking Jason Torney (Rch).
DALE KICKETT (Fre) was suspended for two matches when found guilty of striking Clay Sampson (Ade).
BRAYDEN LYLE (PA) faced a charge of striking Shane Crawford (Haw) The Tribunal however found the case not sustained.

INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED
The AFL on Monday (6th) launched an inquiry into an incident which left PAUL BARNARD (Ess) unconscious.

THE MCG — IS STILL THE ONE!
AFL chief executive WAYNE JACKSON on Monday (6th) said: “We will absolutely, unequivocally and very happily play our Grand Final, preliminary and other finals, and a minimum of 41 games a year for the next 35 years at the MCG.” — Herald Sun.

This followed a Saturday story in The Age that the MCG was under threat as the premier venue for AFL football, once Docklands is built.

It is understood the august body, the MCG Trust, may soon undergo sweeping changes.

NO ACTION ON MCG INCIDENT
On Tuesday (7th) RICK LEWIS, the AFL Investigation Officer interviewed Essendon and St Kilda players over the Sunday MCG incident. The AFL latter announced there was insufficient evidence to refer the matter to the Tribunal.

Barnard was stretchered after being knocked out 40m behind the play. Essendon coach KEVIN SHEEDY was bemused over the decision: “It’s obvious he (Barnard) ran into a lamp post. I would like the AFL now to take all the lamp posts off the middle of the MCG” — The Australian.

St Kilda, unhappy with comments made by the Essendon club, indicated they would take up the matter with the AFL.

FAREWELL TO VICTORIA PARK
The League announced the final two matches would be played in 1999 at Victoria Park, once the site of Aboriginal corroborees before the building boom of the 1850’s.

The Brittania FC was the first football club to play regularly at Victoria Park after it opened in March 1882.

Vic Park, the remaining ‘suburban’ football ground will host its 881st and final League match, but will remain the administrative and training base of the Collingwood club — until who knows when.

CHARLES CALLED BEFORE AOC
JUSTIN CHARLES (Rch) presently serving a 16-week suspension for steroid use has been called to appear before the Australian Olympic Committee.

Also banned for 16 weeks by the Australian Baseball Federation, Charles played an Olympic sport — basketball, with Williamstown in 1996-97, He faces a two-year ban by the AOC.

STAB KICKS …
<> PETER SCHWAB, the AFL’s director of umpires warned clubs, the men in white will closely watch for off-the-ball incidents and ‘rough-house’ tactics … after two rounds, the Darwin-based Centrebet for the flag, ranked West Coast at 4/1, North 6/1 and Sydney 7/1 … despite Hawthorn’s worst losing run in 50 years (10 defeats), coach KEN JUDGE was given the support he needed when Hawk prez IAN DICKER guaranteed Judge would remain — he is contracted to the end of 2000 …
__________

<> A Melbourne supporter donated 22 ice jackets to be used when the Demons play in Brisbane on Monday (13th) afternoon. The AFL is monitoring forecasts and may change the 2.10pm start to a 7.40pm bounce down — they can do so 24-hours before the scheduled start …

MELBOURNE HIT BY A STORM
With a nation in desperate need of drought-breaking rains, the sporting capital has embraced its newest icon – rugby league.

Playing in the 20-team NRL, the Melbourne ‘Storm’ played to an overflow 21,522 at Olympic Park last Friday night (3rd) when the ‘Storm’ remained undefeated, beating North Sydney 24-16. The fledgling Melbourne club have won their first four matches.

Swans new record against Geelong
Ayres: Cats 'pathetic'
Western Bulldogs feast on Pies
Daniher's Demons beat the heat

ROUND 3 — Fri-Sat-Sun, April 11-12-13.
MILESTONES — CHRIS LEWIS (WCE) became the second Aboriginal footballer and the second Eagle to play 200 League matches … TONY LIBERATORE (WB) reached 200—the 1990 Brownlow winner (also the 1984 Morrish, and two Gardiner Medals) became the ninth Bulldog to attain the double-century. ‘Libba’ was playing his 162nd successive game … STEPHEN REILLY (Gee, now Fre) played his 100th, while SCOTT CHISHOLM (Fre), ADEM YZE (Mel), LUKE DARCY (Fsc-WB) and PETER BELL (Fre, now NM) all reached their 50th matches …

MICHAEL MALTHOUSE gained his 200th win as a League coach with Fsc (1984-89) and West Coast (1990-98) … St Kilda’s NATHAN BURKE and AUSTINN JONES each played their 50th consecutive game …no AFL games were played on Good Friday.

<||> Richmond and Hawthorn drew 39,954 for the twilight MCG Saturday contest. The Hawks raced away with a seven goal opening quarter and led by a solid 42-8 margin. The Tigers however proved to be ferocious opponents and took charge in the last quarter. The Hawks failed badly to defend their early advantage as BENNY GALE, BEN HOLLAND and BEN HARRISON emerged as match-winners for Richmond. Though the scores changed in the dying minutes, a pivotal blunder by RICHARD TAYLOR (H) caused a turnover which resulted in a goal for the Tigers, who won by that margin, RICHMOND 15.13-103 (B.Holland 5, Harrison 4, Campbell 3) best, Prescott, Holland, Rogers, HAWTHORN 15.7-97 (Chick 4, N.Holland 3) best, N.Holland, Lloyd, Chick — the loss extended Hawthorn to 11 defeats.

<||> The Scraggers beat Collingwood by 34pts in the early Saturday game played at Optus Oval (27,116) — it may well have been by 10 goals, as the Westerners had the ball most of the day. The Bulldogs kicked 6.14 in the last half to marginally extend their 28pt half-time lead. Their commitment to the ball, hard-running through the midfield, better in the ruck, better in the forward division, left the Pies well to the rear. SCOTT WEST again was an outstanding performer for the top-of-the-ladder Dogs, WESTERN BULLDOGS 16.23-119 (Smith 3) best, West, Romero, Dimattina, COLLINGWOOD 13.7-85 (Watson 3) best, Michael, McDonald, Brown.

<||> Game-long rain at Football Park on Saturday night failed to frustrate North who proved themselves a class above Port. The Roos even with the slippery ball were impressive in the first term with 7.1 — three of the goals coming from BRENT HARVEY a late inclusion. Port had a bad first half, with loose checking providing many chances for the Kangas. North finished off their long-kicking direct game and were far easier victors than just 29pts, NORTH 15.8-98 (Harvey 5, Abraham 4) best, Harvey, Bell, Scott, PORT 10.9-69 (Tredrea 3) best, Primus, Kingsley, Lyle — crowd: 27,615.

<||> The rain and gloom of a Sunday Waverley was a far cry from the MCG of last September as the grand finalists faced each other again. St Kilda coming off their 89pt thumping by Essendon found Adelaide easy pickings. In the hard conditions, the Saints were led well by STEWART LOEWE. If he had a point to prove he did so, hauling in 10 excellent marks and was effective whether in the ruck or on the forward line. NICKY WINMAR relished his new role off the half-back line, while NATHAN BURKE at ground level, was back to his best. 20,320 saw ST KILDA 12.10-82—best, Loewe, Harvey, Winmar, ADELAIDE 8.12-60—best, Bickley, Pittman, McLeod — crowd: 20,532.

<||> In the SCG (29,613) Sunday sunshine, Sydney annihilated Geelong by 103 points. The Swans kicked their highest score of 188 contests (155pts in 1933 and 1978), and only fell short by a goal of their 1948 record win. The Cats were rated “pathetic” by coach GARY AYRES, as their effort proved – Geelong after 11 behinds did not goal until the 26th minute of the second quarter. Sydney ground the Cats’ pride into the turf with a 9.2 finish – just a point shy of how they ended their 1933 clash at Albert Park.

Sydney’s pressure skills and tackling were terrific with a wide range of contributors — NICKS, ROOS, McPHERSON, DUNKLEY out of defence to the sweeping midfield of KELLY, O’LOUGHLIN, SCHWASS while ruckman GREG STAFFORD played a mature game, SYDNEY 24.16-160 (Cresswell 3, Lockett 3, O’Loughlin 3, Barry 3) best, McPherson, Nicks, Cresswell, GEELONG 7.15-57 (Riccardi 3) best, Riccardi, Mensch, Colbert.

<||> The Eagles made is seven in a row in the regular Westside Derby contests against Fremantle. Only 34,557 were at Subiaco on Sunday when in good conditions the Dockers by a goal kicked their best score of the series. Mid-game the Dockers provided a close contest but the Coasters were never in serious danger. The game was highlighted by two standouts, from FRASER GEHRIG (WCE) and JAMES CLEMENT (Fre). Clement kicked five goals for the Dockers. Proving everyone can have a “bad day”, the previous week when playing for South Fremantle in the Westar Rules comp. Clement got just one kick, WEST COAST 14.10-94 (Gehrig 5, Braun 3, Phillip Matera 3) best, McIntosh, Gehrig, Braun, FREMANTLE 10.7-67 (Clement 5) best, Norrish, Clement, O'Reilly.

<||> In warm and humid conditions (27 and 79%) at the Gabba on Monday afternoon (17,161), Melbourne buried the hopes of Brisbane with a solid opening. The Brisbane side showed no signs of improvement to their recent performances as the Demons exerted their control of proceedings, and were ahead by more than six goals at half time.

A change to the Brisbane game was apparent after the long break, and though the Lions crept as close as seven points early in the last term, crucial free kicks against Tristan Lynch and Akermanis brought goals and the buffer Melbourne needed. The winning result in Brisbane sends a warning — the “Daniher Demons” are stoked up and will trouble many. The sixth successive failure, telegraphs difficult times are ahead for the Lions — MELBOURNE 15.10-100 (Smoker 4) best, S.Febey, Smoker, Ingerson, BRISBANE 12.15-87 (Johnson 4) best, Voss, Lawrence, Johnson.

<||> When Essendon kicked five unanswered goals in the second half of the opening quarter then kicked away again in the second term, most of the 68,177 at the MCG on Easter Monday believed the result was a foregone conclusion with the Bombers leading 70-35 at half time.

Overcast skies and threatening clouds did nothing to dampen the spirit of Carlton, who went into the game with three late changes as captain Craig Bradley, Justin Murphy and Glenn Manton withdrew from the selected line-up. Essendon were also without their captain James Hird (hamstring) and Paul Symons.

The Blues characteristically lifted their intensity after half-time as they tried everything to get back into the game, coming back from 37pts down. With the Bombers still leading by 17pts into the last quarter, the fans were delivered with far-from-text-book, but totally crowd-pleasing footy with a grandstand finish. With only a point the difference in favour of the Bombers, they often succeeded in maintaining possession and wound the clock down. Carlton with two late desperate lunges at goal hurriedly kicked the ball high and to no advantage. The siren relieved the exhausted Dons and Blues players who recorded the 255th one-point League result from 11,381 matches, ESSENDON 14.15-99 (Mercuri 3, Cockatoo-Collins 3, Lucas 3) best, Bomford, Mercuri, Blumfield, CARLTON 14.14-98 (Pearce 4, Whitnall 3, Camporeale 3) best, Sexton, Ratten, Rice.

FROM THE ROUND …
<> Many records flowed from Sydney's thrashing of Geelong on Sunday at the SCG. Beside the obvious high's — it was the first time in 50 years where Geelong have been goalless in a first quarter against South Melbourne and Sydney. The last time was in 1948's round 19 at Albert Park, when South opened with 6.1-37. In that match, South went on to win by 96pts, 21.15-141 to 6.9-45.

<> Last Sunday handed Geelong the biggest defeat the club has suffered in 193 games. In the opening round of 1990 at Waverley, Hawthorn gave them a 115pt thrashing, 28.24-192 to 11.11-77.

<> The previous Swans record score of 23.17-155 was kicked on September 2nd in 1933 when Bob Pratt kicked nine goals, a contribution bigger than Geelong's 6.10-46. In 1978, when South Melbourne equalled their record score of 155pts, it was indeed to that time the highest VFL losing score. Geelong that day won with 26.11-167 when Larry Donohue kicked eight goals of the big score.

<> Published crowds for the three-day Easter split round three totalled 264,833 — in arrears of the 1997 record for the round of 296,994. The three week total of 798,785 is three per cent down on the same time last year.

STAB KICKS …
<> A two-hour deluge on Good Friday flooded the SCG rooms of the Sydney Swans, affecting their gym, quarters for coaches and medical area. Also at risk was $70,000 of sophisticated video equipment … <> JOE MISITI (Ess) is considering legal action against the MCC and AFL — Joe broke his jaw playing the March 7 Ansett Cup match. He slipped on a cricket pitch prepared for a following Sheffield Shield game … <> an AFL night game is planned for Good Friday 1999 … <> in the next fortnight the Essendon board will recommend if the Bombers should go to Docklands or stay at the MCG — if it’s Docklands, Essendon members by a vote will have the final say …

TRIBUNAL
CHARGES DROPPED; ONE DEMON OUT
Of the three bookings made in round three, two charges did not reach the AFL Tribunal.

When video reviews were carried out on Tuesday, field umpire TIM SHEARER withdrew his charge against Brisbane's TRISTAN LYNCH.

Similarly, LEIGH COLBERT (Geelong) had his charges of striking dropped only minutes before his scheduled appearance. Umpires TROY BURTON and STEVE POWER withdrew their charges after viewing videotape of the incident.

In the remaining case, Melbourne teen-defender BRENT GRGIC pleaded guilty to striking NIck Trask (Bri) and was penalised for two matches.

STAB KICKS …
<> DAMIEN DRUM, assistant to Rodney Eade in Sydney was named coach of THE ALLIES in their July 10th game at the Gabba versus Victoria – the bench will be six, the same used in the Ansett Cup …
__________

<> Responding to criticism, the AFL will not schedule early-season day games at the Gabba next year. Where possible, they will be played at night, or drawn elsewhere …
__________

<> The League will look at two items from R3 – time-wasting or “winding-down-the-clock” by Carlton, and BENNY GALE (Rch) “cramping” before teammate PAUL BRODERICK goaled – the Tigers won by 6pts over the Hawks.
__________

<> Brisbane coach JOHN NORTHEY without a win since last August was under pressure —asked, he said: A coach’s job is always under threat, not from the club but by the media …
__________

<> AFL chairman RON EVANS stated attendances to the first twilight matches were “somewhat disappointing” …

Sydney beats the Perth hoodoo
700th win for the Saints
Fans pass first million mark

ROUND 4 — Fri-Sat-Sun, April 17-18-19
MILESTONES — BRETT ALLISON (NM) achieved his 200th game ... 100 matches arrived for MICHAEL VOSS (Bri), LUKE BEVERIDGE (Mel, Fsc, now StK) and JUSTIN PECKETT (StK) ... 50 games for JASON WILD (Col) and BRAYDEN LYLE (WCE, now PA) ... ST KILDA won their 700th League contest since 1897 ... SYDNEY won their first game in Perth since 1987 ... STUART MAXFIELD played his 50th for the Swans ... PAUL HUDSON (Haw, now WB) kicked his 300th goal in League footy ...

FROM THE ROUND
<> The WESTERN BULLDOGS won their fourth straight game — the club's best opening to a season since 1961 .… in the 128 times the Cats and the Scraggers have met, they've played 56 of them at Geelong. Between 1925 and 1940, Footscray beat the Pivotonians on only one occasion at the old Corio Oval, and that was in 1928. Last Saturday brought only the 10th occasion that the Tricolours have won in Geelong. … <> SYDNEY by defeating West Coast, won their first game in Perth since Sunday April 12 1987. In games played at both the WACA and Subiaco the Harboursiders had lost on seven visits against the Eagles and three times versus the Dockers. MARK BAYES (Sydney) played in the Swans' 1987 win. Returning to the senior side on Saturday night, Bayes played his 237th senior game, equalling the champion tally of South's favourite son BOB SKILTON (1956-71).

<> The Friday MCG attendance of 78,259 for the Pies–Tigers contest ranks fourth of night attendances in home-and-away fixtures. The biggest is 88,066 to Collingwood and Essendon on Friday, July 24 1992 … <> PAUL BROWN (Gee) returned to the Cats' line-up for his 84th match. He played one game in 1996, suffering a patella tendon injury, and no senior games in 1997 — against the Bulldogs Brown picked up 21 possessions ... <> MITCHELL WHITE (WCE) was back in the Eagles squad, 51 weeks after suffering a knee injury against Melbourne at the MCG in 1997s round five — used off the bench against the Coathangers, Mitchell had 11 disposals … <> Crowds for the 4th Round totalled 285,649. Progressive numbers for the first four rounds — 1,084,434.

<||> With their reputation on the line, Collingwood responded in positive fashion for a huge Friday night audience of 78,259 at the MCG. Even though the Pies were suspect without captain GAVIN BROWN and speedster PAUL WILLIAMS both absent through injury, the Magpies running power as a unit blasted the Tigers off the park with a seven-goal to nil opening quarter.

NATHAN BUCKLEY revelled the conditions, picking up as many possession in the first quarter as he had for the whole game the previous week. He finished 40 disposals for the evening. The Rocca brothers capped Collingwood's great outing off with nine goals between them.

With the Tigers producing their full repertoire of mistakes, it left open the question — was this the Collingwood we could expect to see in the weeks to come? — COLLINGWOOD 20.13-133 (A.Rocca 5, S.Rocca 4, Watson 3) best, Buckley, Monkhorst, A.Rocca, RICHMOND 12.16-88 (Daffy 5) best, Daffy, Gaspar, Torney.

<||> Geelong on a great Kardinia Park surface on Saturday (26,301) found the top-of-ladder Bulldogs a shade the better. The close final margin of 15pts measured the difference between the two. The Cats gave a vastly improved performance and were always close. The differences were the great ruckwork of SCOTT WYND for the Dogs, the possessions gathered by BRAD JOHNSON and another great contribution from SCOTT WEST out of the centre.

Geelong were ably led by GARRY HOCKING and BARRY STONEHAM, though 'Budda' got the rough end of the whistle several times, while Stoneham's influence was curbed in the last half by the close-checking DANNY SOUTHERN.
CHRIS GRANT (WB) had his game soured when reported but produced three great last goals to seal it for the Dogs. The report for striking LEIGH COLBERT (Gee) in the third was felt to be 'soft' and may well-be withdrawn — BULLDOGS 14.10-94 (Grant 3, Hudson 3) best, Johnson, Grant, West, GEELONG 11.13-79 (Lynch 3) best, McGrath, Pickering, Stoneham.

<||> The Hawks put on a repeat performance by booting away with a seven goal opening for the second week in a row. The end result however was the same – they lost. The game stood out with two applause-winning performances, by PETER EVERITT for the Saints and JASON DUNSTALL's leadership of the Hawks. Everitt's hardness to the contest was measured by St Kilda coach STAN ALVES as the difference which led to them getting the points. Dunstall's 7.1 including three in the last term gave the Hawks every opportunity. Though they lost their 12th successive game, the feeling was that Hawthorn had regained their pride.

The third term surge-back when St Kilda with five goals had the Hawk defence under siege was the turning point. It was here that Everitt took control over a Hawthorn which lacked the injured Paul Salmon. With a tight and thorough last half, the Saints got out of jail by eight points — ST KILDA 20.9-129 (Everitt 4, Heatley 3, Loewe 3) best, Everitt, Peckett, Loewe, HAWTHORN 18.13-121 (Dunstall 7.1, Krummel 3) best, Dunstall, Krummel, S.Crawford. crowd: 36,117.

<||> A close-to-capacity Saturday night WACA crowd 27,059 watched an early finals preview as both West Coast and Sydney played at full pace. It was a top standard game, where great skills were on display.

The Swans (without a win in Perth since 1987) applied a pressure game with total commitment by numbers to the ball. They were tactics in reverse used so often by the Eagles to devastate opponents. FRASER GEHRIG stood tall in the West attack with six goals for the night, yet was overshadowed by TONY LOCKETT who enjoyed a return to form.

The frantic pace brought a constantly changing scoreboard with Sydney only emphasising their control over the Eagles in the closing stages. WAYNE SCHWASS sizzled again for the Harboursiders to confirm their shrewd pre-season trade — he had 32 disposals and his five fine goals produced the winning edge.

GREG STAFFORD dominated the ruck contests for Sydney, while PAUL KELLY was at his typical best. For the Eagles, CHAD MORRISON and BEN COUSINS played top games, well-supporting Fraser Gehrig — SYDNEY 18.10-118 (Lockett 7.1, Schwas 5) best, Schwass, Stafford, Kelly, WEST COAST 14.15-99 (Gehrig 6) best, Gehrig, Morrison, Kemp.

<||> Steady rain throughout Sunday afternoon at Football Park failed to lessen the fervour of 41,476 spectators nor the on-field intensity of a hard, close contest. Reigning premiers Adelaide had their colours lowered again (they are now 1+3) as Port ground out a nine-point win in Showdown 3.

The match opened at a ferocious pace when many players were given strong attention. Port were again slow to start, allowing the Crows to kick the first three goals then the Power evened the contest, whereby scores in the difficult conditions were level at the long-break.

The last half saw Adelaide fail to realise their efforts where in the third term just 1.6 was their return. Indeed after half-time, Port kicked 5.2 to the Crows 2.11 and it was Port's ability to create goals out of nothing which brought about their narrow but deserved win — PORT 11.7-73 best, Kingsley, Primus, Lyle, ADELAIDE best, Ricciuto, Bassett, Smart.

<||> The fans voted with their feet to the beat of the Demon drum as 27,508 squeezed into the boutique Optus Oval on Sunday afternoon. With two wins from their first three games, the improvement in the Melbourne of 1998 was confirmed when they came back from three goals down in a gripping last quarter to narrowly down the Navy Blues by two points.

The victory however may come at a heavy cost. Star forward DAVID NEITZ has a suspected broken left ankle, while the evergreen JIM STYNES in his 244th consecutive League game suffered a suspected broken hand.

Carlton with two narrow losses (one point and two points) slumped to 13th, while Melbourne in what was considered a tough opening six weeks have their third win from four games, and jumped to fourth spot on the ladder — MELBOURNE 10.12-72 (Schwarz 3) best, Leoncelli, S.Febey, Yze, CARLTON 10.10-70 best, Hamill, Whitnall, Silvagni.

<||> How come? Most would ask. A fortnight before, Essendon had defeated St Kilda by 89pts on the same day Fremantle were thrashed by Adelaide to the tune of 93pts. So, maybe Kevin Sheedy was right – that the media had overrated the Bombers.

It most certainly looked that way at Waverley (26,241) on Sunday as the Dockers ran the Dons off their feet and were convincing 24pt victors. Essendon played like flat lemonade while Freo were full of fizz. With three top marking forwards in JAMES CLEMENT, PETER MANN and DANIEL BANDY, only Freo's inaccuracy saved the Bombers from a more inglorious defeat.

The focus of the many good players which Fremantle had fell on SHAUN McMANUS, MATTHEW BURTON, BRAD DODD, GARY DHURRKAY and SCOTT CHISHOLM — the Dockers were up, Essendon were badly down. Injuries to JOE MISITI (Ess) groin, and STEPHEN O'REILLY (Fre) hamstring will sideline both for several weeks — FREMANTLE 14.16-100 (Clement 5) best, McManus, Bandy, Dodd, ESSENDON 11.10-76 (Lucas 6) best, Lucas, Bewick, Blumfield.

<||> In spite of boasting a better forward line, North Melbourne as predicted never nailed Brisbane in the Sunday clash at the MCG watched by a small 22,688. Several times in the early stages the Roos threatened to do so but the Lions always stayed in touch.

The Brisbane trio of MICHAEL VOSS (playing his 100th), STEPHEN LAWRENCE and SHAUN HART collectively worked hard and racked up 85 disposals between them — it kept the Lions within striking distance until the end of the game.

WAYNE CAREY, playing chiefly at centre half-back had a wonderful match, but it was the scoring power of COREY McKERNAN and midfielder SHANNON GRANT which kicked the Roos to a 17pt win. The Lions won on the stats sheets in every department. Though they failed to win, the light at the end of the tunnel burned a little brighter for coach John Northey who may soon be shouting Pizza's for the boys — NORTH 21.11-137 (McKernan 5, Harvey 4) best, Carey, Archer, Grant, BRISBANE 17.8-120 (Johnson 5, Bradshaw 4) best, M.Voss, Lawrence, Johnson.

TRIBUNAL
CHRIS GRANT SUSPENDED; BULLDOGS TO APPEAL
The AFL Tribunal on Monday (20th) night deliberated for only 10 minutes to hand down a two match suspension to CHRIS GRANT (Western Bulldogs).

This followed a hearing lasting almost an hour and-a-half as Grant (who pleaded not guilty) was defending the charge of striking LEIGH COLBERT (Gee) with an arm to the head during the third term of Saturday's match between the Cats and the Bulldogs at Kardinia Park.

Chairman BRIAN COLLIS, QC said the AFL Tribunal had found the action "reckless" and the charge laid by umpire DEREK HUMPHERY-SMITH had been sustained.

The Western Bulldogs chairman DAVID SMORGAN emerged from a later meeting with Grant and club football manager PAUL ARMSTRONG to announce, the club appeal to the AFL.

The Bulldogs lodged the Appeal on Tuesday together with prescribed $15,000 bond required under the recently introduced rules.

TRIBUNAL
FIVE SUSPENDED; HARDWICK NOT GUILTY
Carlton had both STEPHEN SILVAGNI and BRAD PEARCE suspended at the sitting of the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday (21st). Others to suffer were MARTIN PIKE (NM), JASON BALL (WCE) and MARCUS SEECAMP (Mel). Only one player of the six fronting the judiciary escaped – DAMIEN HARDWICK (Ess) was found not guilty of striking BRAD DODD (Fre).

Silvagni, despite a passionate plea from Carlton's football manager COL KINNEAR was outed for the second time of his 234-match career. His previous senior suspension (of one week) was in 1991.

Suspensions imposed —
STEPHEN SILVAGNI (Car) one week for striking David Schwarz (Mel)
MARCUS SEECAMP (Mel) three matches for striking Brad Pearce (Car)
BRAD PEARCE (Car) one match for striking Marcus Seecamp (Mel)
MARTIN PIKE (NM) three matches for striking Richard Champion (Bri)
JASON BALL (WCE) three matches for striking Daryn Cresswell (Syd).

STAB KICKS …
<> Melbourne's veteran ruckman JIM STYNES had surgery to his left hand on Monday night for the injury suffered in Sunday's match at Carlton. The amazing Irishman played in every game for Melbourne from July 25 1987 and achieved 244 consecutive matches.
__________

<> Swelling to the broken left ankle sustained by Melbourne's DAVID NEITZ last Sunday will slow his surgery process. Neitz at best is expected to be sidelined for at least 12 weeks.
__________

<> X-rays on Tuesday confirmed Geelong's GARRY HOCKING suffered a broken thumb last Saturday. He played on to the finish that day, and will undergo a fitness test on Friday …
__________

<> "television against the gate" is fast become the norm — Sydney will do so yet again for their blockbuster meeting against the Bulldogs next Sunday, while Adelaide's important clash against Geelong at Football Park will challenge the faith of their fans — the Crows are up against a live telecast into Adelaide of the Melbourne–Port game from the MCG ...
__________

<> a field umpire from the Melbourne metropolitan Southern Football League was reported at a Saturday reserves game. DARREN PICKETT was banned for four years for striking out after a player spat at him — Doveton Eagles player DARYL REIGER was suspended for two weeks for retaliating ...
__________

<> OBITUARY — ALF POTTER, a pioneer of sport in the Australian television industry passed away peacefully at Geelong Hospital on Sunday (19th) aged 78.
Alf worked with 3DB before joining HSV-7 where he graduated from technician to the director of outside broadcasts. He directed the 1956 Olympic Games coverage and went on to head Seven's coverage of VFL football, remaining with HSV until his retirement in 1985.

APPEAL BOARD HEARING
BULLDOG APPEAL DISMISSED
TRIAL-BY-VIDEO PLACED TO QUESTION
The AFL Appeal Board met for the first occasion on Wednesday evening April 22 under chairman Peter O'Callaghan, QC, assisted by former AFL tribunal members John Schultz and Brian Bourke. The Monday decision of the AFL Tribunal suspending Western Bulldog player CHRIS GRANT for two matches was upheld following a three-hour hearing. Chairman O'Callaghan said the tackle by Grant on Geelong's Leigh Colbert was reckless.

The Bulldogs called on film director and video expert JOHN LYONS who told the hearing the telephoto lens on cameras distorted what the viewer actually saw in televised games and replays. Lyons said: "I don't think you can trust video evidence at all."

RON REED writing in the Herald Sun — "His evidence didn't get Bulldogs Chris Grant off — his conviction and two-week suspension for striking were confirmed — but it certainly gave football something serious to think about. It might not stop at football, either."

The Appeal Board ruled the Bulldog challenge was neither frivolous or vexatious and the $10,000 surety lodged on Tuesday be returned. The cost of $5,000 for an appeal to be heard is required to be met by the club making the application.

81,542 see Anzac Day special
900th League victory to Melbourne
Injury ends Stynes' record run
Sydney take over leadership

ROUND 5 — Fri-Sat-Sun, April 24-25-26.
MILESTONES — Injury omitted JIM STYNES from the Melbourne team for the first time since July 25 1987 — three breaks in his left hand ended his record-breaking 244 consecutive matches ... Collingwood's SAVERIO ROCCA passed 400 League goals ... GAVIN WANGANEEN (Ess 127, now PA) and TIM McGRATH (NM 7, now Gee) reached their 150th League games ... PETER MANN (NM 9, now Fre) played his 100th, while 50 matches arrived for ANDREW SCHAUBLE (Col), SHANE PARKER (Fre) and RONNIE BURNS (Gee) ... MELBOURNE in their 1927th League contest since 1897 gained their 900th victory ... BRISBANE played their 250th game ...

DAVID PARKIN coached his 450th League match — his coaching career started in 1977 with Hawthorn. He has twice coached Carlton, also Fitzroy ... TONY LOCKETT kicked his 200th goal at the Sydney Cricket Ground

FROM THE ROUND
<> HAWTHORN posted their first win following 12 successive defeats. It was their worst run since 22 losses across the 1949-50-51 seasons … <> GEELONG have reached their lowest placing on a premiership table since the club was formed on July 18 1859. The Cats started off the 1994 season at 13th place then rose to finish fourth and play off in the Grand Final. This season they commenced at 13th, rose to 8th place then returned to 13th after their 103pt loss in Sydney. Their failure to the Bulldogs next weekend sent the Cats to 14th, and their 26pt loss in Adelaide on Sunday lowered them another spot to 15th … since premiership points were first awarded by the VFA in 1887, Geelong have never held a placing as low as 15th.

<> MELBOURNE with their fourth-in-a-row are enjoying their best start since 1994. Then, the Demons won their first five engagements — they had the bye in round 3 of 1994 ... <> CARLTON have had worst start to a new season since 1990 when they were 1+4 after the first five rounds — the Blues then won their next four games, but still finished a lowly eighth for the year, missing the Final Five ...

<> Melbourne's SHANE WOEWODIN wrote himself into footy folklore on Sunday with a dazzling solo run at the Mecca. Late in the third quarter against Port at the MCG, Woewodin in defence blocked for a teammate but gathered the ball himself just outside of the 50 metre arc. Eluding two efforts to halt his run, Woewodin ran through the cricket pitch area bouncing the ball five times before entering Melbourne's attack zone — from 48 metres he left-footed the Demons 11th goal. It was one of the great "runs" and recalled those of legend by three Collingwood players — the run by RAY GABELICH in the 1964 playoff, PHIL MANASSA in the 1977 grand final and the run by MICK McGUANE in 1994s second round.

<> STEPHEN PATTERSON (Collingwood) registered a rare feat when kicking for goal against Essendon at the MCG — from the boundary line to the Jolimont end Patterson's ball in succession hit both goal posts — he only got one behind.

<> ST KILDA recorded its second successive win over Carlton — the first time the Saints have achieved this since 1965-66 ... <> GEELONG continued their horror-trip to Adelaide — the Cats have failed on seven visits to Football Park since 1991, six defeats by Adelaide, once to Port ... <> published crowds for the weekend created a new Anzac round record. The total for the eight matches reached 295,240. This topped the 278,707 set for the three days of Friday-Saturday-Sunday, April 25-26-27 in 1997. Totals for the first five rounds are 1,379,674.

<> The 8.2-50 kicked by the Bulldogs was not the best finish by the Bulldogs against the Swans. Footscray on Saturday, May 15 1979 kicked 9.7-61 at the Western Oval against South when the Bulldogs went on to win by 48pts, 22.17-149 to 14.17-101.

<||> The Tigers with a powerful first half were still disappointing as their poor conversion allowed West Coast to stay in touch. It was not surprising that the Eagles though lacking their usual precision bounced back to tie the game up by the half-time break at 51pts-all.

Beyond the break, the Eagles started to hurt with injuries suffered by Kemp, Cousins, Worsfold, then White. As West Coast ran out of options, Richmond continued to work hard. They were well led by the returning MATTHEW KNIGHTS (after suspension) while MARK MERENDA did many special things — RICHMOND 12.14-86 (Merenda 3) best, Daffy, Campbell, Knights, WEST COAST 10.11-71 (Morrison 3) best, Kemp, Gardiner, McIntosh — crowd: 34,837.

<||> AFL players and officials together with the big MCG crowd of 81,542 paid their respects with a minute's silence in honour for the fallen on Anzac Day.

Though the tradition is just four years old, The Collingwood–Essendon Anzac Day special again returned a crowd-pleasing spectacle. The Bombers early were razor-sharp in attack with MATTHEW LLOYD kicking four of their first eight goals as they stretched their lead to 20pts in the second quarter. The Pies brought their game together after half-time with a combination of a great team effort from Buckley, Wright, Crosisca, Patterson, newcomer BRAD FULLER and Michael.

SAVERIO ROCCA as he has often done in past games against Essendon had a splendid second half booting 7.4 in a match-winning performance.

Collingwood held the Bombers to a goalless third term, then maintained their drive to post a 20pt win in a far from memorable but a pleasing and close struggle — COLLINGWOOD 15.18-108 (S.Rocca 7.4, Fuller 3) best, Patterson, Buckley, S.Rocca, ESSENDON 12.16-88 (Lloyd 4) best, Wellman, Bewick, Blumfield.

<> Hawthorn for the third week straight were quick from the blocks – then choked again. Close to half-time the Hawks were 64pts up.

Len Johnson in The Age wrote: It was Dunstall, Dixon and many others who provided the inspiration when it was needed. The Hawks had let the doubts creep back largely through their own inaction. Faced with Brisbane's revival in the third term they stopped running, stopped presenting themselves as targets, stopped thinking.

The Hawks recovered in the last term to register their first win since last year's 14th round — Brisbane's effort was ordinary, even taking into account their third -quarter comeback — HAWTHORN 18.16-124 (Dunstall 6, Holland 4, Lord 3) best, Dunstall, Holland, Hay, BRISBANE 12.11-83 (Leppitsch 5, D.Scott 3) best, Leppitsch, Lappin, Power.

Fremantle coach Gerard Neesham described the Anzac night win over North at the WACA (26,335) as "clearly, that's the finest win we've had as a club."

<||> The Dockers were an efficient and spirited outfit who led most of the game against the Roos. The midfield held sway over their highly-ranked visitors as many Kangas showed signs of being leg-weary.

Twice in the final term, North threatened to steam-roll the Dockers, but Freo showed great character in not yielding, but fighting back for a great win. CRAIG CALLAGHAN was a forward tower while the four goals from CLIVE WATERHOUSE presents the view that the Dockers may have been under-valued. Whether they can stand the brilliance of their new place under the spotlight will be gauged by next Saturday's visit under lights to Footy Park — FREMANTLE 16.8-104 (Waterhouse 4) best, Waterhouse, Kickett, Fletcher, NORTH MELB 12.15-87 (Grant 4, Carey 3) best, Stevens, Martyn, Pickett.

<||> In gloomy Sunday conditions at the MCG (21,726) Melbourne recorded their fourth successive win and climbed to third place (equal second) on the ladder as they gave Port Adelaide a solid defeat.

Melbourne captain TODD VINEY sizzled from the midfield, while JEFF WHITE with 13 marks emerged in his continuing maturity as a leading ruckman. Port were never in the game and struggled to get the ball into attack. Even had they succeeded in getting the ball near goal, their forward's lacked discipline. SCOTT CUMMINGS had another poor outing and must be close to being axed.

For rookie coach Neale Daniher, it was a positive conclusion even without several key players. The way his youngsters stepped up to leading roles will bring a warm glow and the fans back to the MCG. For Port, the effort was close to a disaster — MELBOURNE 14.18-102 (White 4) best, S.Febey, Viney, PORT 6.17-53 – best, Wilson, Fiegert, Morton.

<||> In frequent driving rain, St Kilda played to the best of its ability in the difficult conditions to grind out a 22pt win over Carlton on Sunday for a hardy 31,955 spectators at Waverley.

Martin Blake in The Age commented: Scarcely anything separated these two teams as they fought a torrid, attritional battle ... maybe St Kilda was a fraction more polished, especially with its ground kicking. But in truth, there was nothing in it ... once again, St Kilda had done enough to extract a win when it could so easily have lost.

Carlton lacking forwards made hard work of it. One of the winners of the day was ROBERT HARVEY for St Kilda. Though tagged by Carlton captain CRAIG BRADLEY, Harvey was back to his Brownlow best with 39 possessions — ST KILDA 13.10-88 (Mitchell 4) best, Harvey, Beveridge, Young, CARLTON 9.12-66 (Camporeale 3) best, McKay, Camporeale, Rice.

<||> For what had been billed as a Blockbuster contest, Sydney won hands-down on the scoreboard in the first three quarters. The game produced only rare sparkle and was a fizz. It however produced four highlights and involved two Brownlow medalists — the booking of Sydney captain PAUL KELLY in the third term ... a career-threatening knee injury to TONY LIBERATORE who was stretchered off late in the third term ... BRETT MONTGOMERY's skyscraper second quarter grab for the Doggies which will vie for Mark of the Year ... the 8.2-50 finish by the Bulldogs.

The 36,505 SCG attendance saw the Coathangers firmly in control by 49pts at the last break after the home side had confidently led at every turn. The end margin of only 16pts diminished the leadership Sydney had claimed.

Sydney coach RODNEY EADE gained no satisfaction from his fifth successive win saying the opening quarter was their worst 30 minutes of the season. TERRY WALLACE on the prospect of losing Liberatore said it was a tragic blow for the Bulldogs — SYDNEY 14.15-99 (Lockett 4, O'Loughlin 3) best, Kelly, Cresswell, O'Loughlin, WEST.B'DOGS 12.11-83 (Hudson 3) best, Romero, Southern, Garlick.

<||> Adelaide gained their second win of the season in a rugged affair at Footy Park on Sunday for 39,974 fans. Geelong remain winless in Adelaide and slipped to second last (15th) — their lowest-ever ranking.

Rugged at times, the Crows exerted their superior midfield presence in the second half led by MARK RICCIUTO and outscored the Cats 8.7 to 4.4.

From their already weakened forward line, Adelaide's win was costly losing replacement spearhead MARK STEVENS who injured the cruciate ligament in his right knee which brings a certain end to his season. Later, centre half-forward IAN DOWNSBOROUGH crashed heavily after marking and suffered concussion, ADELAIDE 12.15-87 (Jameson 3) best, Rehn, Ricciuto, McLeod, GEELONG 8.13-61 – best, Sholl Sanderson, Corrigan.

KNEE SURGERY FOR LIBERATORE
1990 Brownlow Medal winner TONY LIBERATORE had his left knee reconstructed on Monday night (27) but declared he wants to return to the game with the Western Bulldogs next year.

Playing his 165th consecutive match (202 overall) against Sydney at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday, Liberatore suffered a career-threatening injury during the third quarter.

Bulldogs football operations manager PAUL ARMSTRONG speaking on ABC Radio said: "We'll certainly support him whatever he decides to and if he wishes to play on after this, there'll certainly be a position on our list for him."

Liberatore had his right knee reconstructed in 1990 and was playing again barely six months later.

When he left hospital on Thursday (30th) the Bulldogs announced that Liberatore will be retained for the rest of 1998 "as a boundary rider of sorts, dispensing wisdom and counsel to players on the Western Bulldogs' bench" — The Age (May 1).

TRIBUNAL
ANTHONY ROCCA, TWO WEEKS — THREE FOR SOMERVILLE
ANTHONY ROCCA (Col) was suspended for two matches by the AFL Tribunal which sat on Monday (27th). Rocca who pleaded not guilty was found to have applied a late charge on Essendon's Joe Misiti in the MCG game on Anzac Day.

From the same match, PETER SOMERVILLE (Ess) who admitted he struck Damien Monkhorst (Col) received the heaviest penalty of the sitting when he was suspended for three matches.

In the other case heard, childhood mates JUSTIN LEPPITSCH (Bri) and MARK GRAHAM (Haw) both received one match for striking each other.

STAB KICKS …
<> Umpires' director PETER SCHWAB warned his charges that those who defaced footballs to make gripping the ball easier will face a one-match suspension. The practice was discovered when a photograph appeared in the Sunday edition of The Age (19th) after the Geelong–Bulldogs match showing the match ball with deep markings. The incident was further highlighted on Monday's Talking Footy …
__________

<> The League announced the Grand Final in the Olympic Games year of 2000 will be played at the MCG on Saturday September 2. Should the premiership decider be drawn and a replay necessary, the venue will be Waverley Park. The move will accommodate the earliest League grand final since 1916 – Ansett Cup games will be rescheduled to January and February.

TRIBUNAL #2
KELLY CLEARED OF STRIKING
“THE SQUIRREL GRIP” LIVES ON
Sydney captain PAUL KELLY appeared before the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday (28th) to answer the charge of striking PAUL DIMATTINA from the Western Bulldogs club.

Kelly in evidence said he reacted instinctively when he felt pressure from Dimattina's hand grabbing at his thigh, causing pressure on his testicles. "I've been squeezed a few times and it's not comfortable so before that happened I wanted him out of the way. I suppose I had a motive (to punch him) but I am very disciplined — I have a fairly hard time all the time."

The hearing lasted over an hour before AFL Tribunal chairman Brian Collis, QC, and his panel Brian Le Brocq and Emmett Dunne. Their finding cleared Kelly of striking Dimattina to the body.

DION SCOTT (Bri) pleaded guilty to charging ruckman Paul Salmon (Haw). Scott's apology to Salmon and his 10-season (66 games) unblemished record relieved him with only a one-match suspension.

ANTHONY ROCK (NM) pleaded not guilty but was suspended for one match for tripping Jason Norrish (Fre). It was the second penalty this year for Rock.

BOMBERS GO FOR DOCKLANDS
The Essendon board on Tuesday  (28th) voted to play seven home games at the new Docklands Stadium. A vote of approval will be put to members at a meeting in June …

TRIBUNAL #3
On Wednesday SCOTT CUMMINGS (PA) was suspended for two matches. Charged from video, Cummings though pleading not guilty was found to have charged SHANE WOEWODIN (Mel) on Sunday.

Log jam for leadership
Demons end Sydney's 5-game run
Carlton 15th – lowest placing ever

ROUND 6 — Fri-Sat-Sun, May 1-2-3.
MILESTONES — BARRY STONEHAM (Gee) achieved his 200th senior game — he was the 250th player to reach this level of League service and the 19th Geelong player to do so ... MARK BICKLEY (Ade) played his 150th, while 50 games arrived for SIMON GARLICK (Syd 44, now WB) and ADAM SIMPSON (NM) ... TONY SHAW enjoyed success in his 50th game as an AFL coach when the Pies beat Carlton for the first time since Easter Monday in 1994 ... KATRINA PRESSLEY became the first female goal umpire appointed to a senior League match. The 27-year-old Pressley signalled the opening score in the Brisbane v Richmond match at the Gabba on Friday May 1st ...

ST KILDA's recovery from a 27pt deficit half way through the last quarter in Perth ranks with the greatest of victories the club has enjoyed in its history.

FROM THE ROUND
<> Carlton lost their fifth successive game, their worst run since they lost the first five of 1989 … The Blues have slumped to 15th, their lowest-ever placing in League football. Carlton have been 14th on three previous occasions. Last year they were ranked 14th after their 59pt defeat in Sydney by the Swans, and at the start of the 1994 season, they were 14th following two opening defeats to Adelaide then Collingwood. That year, the Blues recovered to be one of the leaders, finishing the home-and-away series in second place behind West Coast, eventually finishing fifth.

<> MELBOURNE won their fifth straight — a Demon best since winning their first five engagements of 1994.

<||> Friday night at the Gabba drew an almost sellout crowd of 19,219. The embattled Brisbane club after eight successive defeats won through to record their first victory since the first Saturday of last August. The Lions broke away in the first half and the heavy rain which followed made the Richmond task impossible. The Tigers in spite of one of the best-equipped attacks and the successful return of star-forward MATTHEW RICHARDSON kicked only five goals in the first three quarters and were no match for a pumped-up Brisbane outfit.

DARRYL WHITE and MICHAEL VOSS led the Brisbane charge with SHAUN HART and MARCUS ASHCROFT prominent. In defence RICHARD CHAMPION teamed well with DANNY DICKFOS and STEVEN LAWRENCE stemming many Tiger forward moves — BRISBANE 13.8-86 best, White, Ashcroft, Dickfos, RICHMOND 7.9-51 best, B.Gale, Prescott, Broderick.

<||> Near-perfect Autumn conditions brought 69,963 to the G on Saturday for the first Blues-Pies twilight fixture. The Magpies produced an explosive start to the contest and thereafter the Navy Blues were always in catch-up mode. Carlton's lack of effective forwards again proved their downfall as they slipped to their fifth successive defeat and their history-setting lowest-ever placing at 15th on the ladder. Coach David Parkin used a merry-go-round of placements in their forward zone to no effect.

SAVERIO ROCCA enjoyed the absence of Carlton's Silvagni (injured) yet his return of only 4.4 for the Pies could have been better. A striking charge against 'the Big Sav' before half-time may see him join his brother Anthony on the sidelines. DAMIEN MONKHORST in the ruck produced one of his best matches and was crucial to Collingwood ending a seven-loss streak against the Blues. SCOTT RUSSELL, PAUL WILLIAMS and NATHAN BUCKLEY added to the solid nature of the Pies' victory — COLLINGWOOD 14.12-96 (S.Rocca 4) best, Monkhorst, Buckley, Williams, CARLTON 9.13-67 best, Camporeale, Rice, McKay.

<||> The AFL Tribunal in a way had an effect on Saturday's result at Kardinia Park (23,267). New Geelong forward BRETT SPINKS returned from a three-week outing while Hawthorn's regular full-back MARK GRAHAM was absent on a one-week "holiday". Spinks (ex West Coast) revelled without a specialist minder, booting three goals in the opening term, ending with 6.2 for the day.

Reporting on the match, Ashley Brown in The Age: "The Cats dominated around the midfield — and in the ruck, where coach Gary Ayres chose to counter PAUL SALMON's expected dominance by running JOHN BARNES at him at centre bounces and then, a few moments later switching Barnes to the wing and running the athletic DAVID MENSCH with Salmon around the ground. The often-maligned Barnes played by far his best match for the season."

Tight right into the last term before the Cats broke away, Geelong twice in the match produced goals which brought surprise cartwheels from RONNIE BURNS, then BRAD SHOLL — GEELONG 13.12-90 (Spinks 6.2, Burns 3) best, Barnes, Spinks, Pickering, HAWTHORN 10.13-73 (Dunstall 4, Lord 3) best, Lord, Robran, Harford.

<||> Essendon blistered through four goals in the first eight minutes, and after that a crowd-pleasing dog fight resulted at Optus Oval on Saturday for 24,813 spectators. As quickly as the Dons had won the advantage Western came back hard when it was their turn to dominate.

The eight point margin was typical of the contest, as one side, then the other were on top. A notable performance came from Norwood's SIMON EASTAUGH in his second outing. Essendon's ruck replacement for the suspended Somerville gained 22 possessions and after a lengthy apprenticeship with Richmond Reserves and last year's SANFL premiers, the 24-year-old made his mark on the key post.

For the Doggies, first-gamer NATHAN BROWN with 25 possessions enhanced his prospects — WESTERN BULLDOGS 13.19-97 (Kolyniuk 3) best, Cameron, West, Brown, ESSENDON 13.11-89 (Lucas 4) best, Lucas, Wellman, Eastaugh.

<||> Under Saturday night lights at Football Park (30,519), Port Adelaide were too direct, and too organised for Fremantle. Port exposed the inefficient chip-and-run game of the Dockers.

GAVIN WANGANEEN gave the Power remarkable leadership from the midfield, and it was unquestionably his best return for this season.

The Port defence were masters of Footy Park and their experiment with a forward set-up of the up-and-coming teenagers WARREN TREDREA and PAUL EVANS may bring flexibility and greater productivity in an area where Port have had their problems. Freo must work to correct their mistakes as their brief moment in the spotlight after wins over North and Dons has now been extinguished — PORT 13.18-96 best, Kingsley, Bond, Paxman, FREMANTLE 9.6-60 best, Burton, Callaghan, Wills.

<||> Adelaide coach MALCOLM BLIGHT after the Sunday result said it was probably 30 years since he'd seen six or seven holding-the-ball decisions in one quarter of football. A great contest was decided by a free against the big Crow SHAUN REHN after he was tackled and penalised for holding the ball. North's forward pocket PAUL EVANS from his free chip-passed to an unguarded PETER BELL who goaled from 30 metres, regaining the lead for the Kangas with only 43 seconds of the game left.

Only 23,041 were witness to a terrific struggle between Adelaide and North at the MCG in top Sunday conditions. North sprinted away kicking 7.4 to 2.3. Down 31 points at the first break, Adelaide produced two great quarters in kicking 13 goals to five, to lead by 18pts at the last change.

North dug deep and again came back from a seemingly hopeless position to take the points in a very good game — NORTH MELB 15.16-106 (Sholl 3) best, Carey, Grant, Pickett, ADELAIDE 15.12-102 (Jarman 4) best, Rehn, McLeod, Ricciuto.

<||> Frequent rain created a level playing field at the SCG on Sunday — the new Melbourne Demons delivered the goods, Sydney were not at home and were comprehensibly beaten. Even had Lockett been included (he withdrew with a virus) it is doubtful the Coathangers would have been more competitive against Melbourne who did the simple things — putting their body on the line, and being hardest to the ball.

Starting with four unanswered goals Daniher's Demons quickly established their dominance and while the undefeated Harboursiders came back, they were never able to match the commitment of a more determined Melbourne. Overall, it was a hard slog, but the Demons are on a roll, winning their fifth-straight and rising to equal leadership — MELBOURNE 12.8-80 (Lyon 3) best, Viney, Yze, Hopgood, SYDNEY 8.13-61 best, Cresswell, Schwass, Stevens — crowd: 25,951.

<||> Sunday at Perth's Subiaco Oval was a hot May day in the high 20's with a big 36,406 attending. In a tightly contested first half, the Saints (four late changes robbed them of Loewe, Burke, Thompson and Hall) gradually overhauled West Coast with a strong but erratic second term to lead by 16pts at half time.

West swung many positional changes with Jakovich finding himself not in defence but forward, then in the ruck. The third term had the Eagles looking like premiership material and after several unsuccessful moves it was ANDREW DONNELLY who responded. The Coasters added an avalanche of goals, 8.3 to 2.5, to gain a strong advantage at the last change over.

Then it was St Kilda's turn in what will prove a memorable final term. Against a three-goal breeze, they came from the dead and down 27pts with only half the quarter left. The Saints kicked goal-after-goal but still trailed until former Docker GAVIN MITCHELL (StK) on the forward line laid a tackle on Eagle defender ASHLEY McINTOSH (WC) and was awarded a free kick for a holding-the-ball decision. With only a minute left, Mitchell slotted his only goal for the day and took a quality victory by two-points after the Saints had kicked 8.0 in the last — ST KILDA 18.13-121 (Healy 6, Everitt 6) best, Everitt, Healy, Harvey, WEST COAST 18.11-119 (Donnelly 5, Gehrig 4) best, Jakovich, Donnelly, Banfield.

TRIBUNAL
'BIG SAV' BEATS THE CHARGE
Collingwood full-forward SAVERIO ROCCA pleaded not guilty to charging Carlton defender DEAN RICE but admitted he struck his opponent to the back of the head claiming it was accidental to stop the Blues backman from marking.

The AFL Tribunal sitting on Monday night (4th) cleared Rocca of an offence and he will be available to line up against Sydney in Friday night's clash at the MCG.

Carlton on-baller FRASER BROWN and Brisbane defender RICHARD CHAMPION weren't as lucky. Brown was found guilty to having struck SCOTT RUSSELL (Col) with a forearm to the head and was suspended for two matches.

Champion, booked for charging JOEL BOWDEN (Rch) last Friday night at the Gabba was also found guilty, and stood down for two matches.

STAB KICKS …
<> Talks began between the parties to alter the 40-year MCC-AFL agreement. The Melbourne Cricket Club are seeking to include pay-TV rights and multimedia revenue in the deal. Hinging on the negotiations is the ability of the MCC to finance debt on the Great Southern Grandstand and redevelopment of the 42-year-old Olympic Stand for the 2006 Commonwealth Games …

<> A football fan lost her damages claim against the Melbourne Cricket Club in the County Court on May 1. JANINE GRAHAM had attended the Essendon-West Coast final at the MCG on September 12, 1993 when she been struck on the shoulder by a full can of beer thrown by a spectator. Following a four-day trial a jury of four men and two women decided the MCC had not been negligent ...

<> OBITUARY – ARCHIBALD (Archie) KNOTT passed away on April 16 aged 82. A tall man of his era, "Smiler" was a valuable player with both Fitzroy and St Kilda between 1938 and 1945, playing 49 League matches.

Born and raised in Abbotsford he attended Lithgow Street State School, Archie was a member of a prominent sporting family. Brother Dan played with Collingwood and Richmond (22 games, 1940-41, 1943, 1947) while George was a champion walker and represented Australia at the Rome Olympics in 1960.

TRIBUNAL #2
MINTON-CONNELL & DIXON CLEARED
Video charges against both SIMON MINTON-CONNELL (WB) and BEN DIXON (Haw) were dismissed at the Tribunal hearing on Tuesday (5th).

The Bulldog had been been reported for striking MICHAEL PRIOR (Ess) with a fist to the head in the second quarter of the Saturday game at Carlton. Following evidence, the Tribunal dismissed the charge.

BEN DIXON (Haw) faced the offence of allegedly charging Geelong's LIAM PICKERING. The charge on video evidence was dismissed.

CROWS BANNED FROM USING MOTORISED CART …
ADELAIDE have been banned from using its motorised cart to carry injured players off the field — the AFL has ruled players must be removed by trainers on a stretcher.

It’s a curious ruling. cardiac massage could be performed on the cart by a doctor, which would be impossible on a stretcher …

HAWKS FINED FOR SALARY CAP BREACHES
Hawthorn became the sixth club in two years to be fined for breaches of the salary cap.

Stephen O'Reilly reported in The Age: "The Hawks, fined $45,000, were penalised for a series of violations between 1991 and 1996 to join Essendon, North Melbourne, Richmond, Geelong and Collingwood as clubs to have been caught flouting the cap in recent seasons."

While it is the administrations led by Trevor Coote, John Lauritz, Geoff Lord and Peter Hudson that have been found guilty by the League, there will be no concessions for those currently in charges, according to Hawthorn chief executive of three months, Michael Brown.

Port's record win at Carlton
Round proves a tipster's nightmare
Eagles lose their 4th on-the-trot

ROUND 7 — Fri-Sat-Sun, May 8-9-10.
MILESTONES —PORT ADELAIDE kicked 25.15-165, their highest score in 29 games of AFL football ... TODD VINEY (Mel) played his 200th senior game ... CHRIS NAISH (143 Rch, now PA) his 150th ... 100 games for SHANE CRAWFORD (Haw) and TONY WOODS (Fit, Col, now Haw) ... 50 games to MICHAEL PRIOR (Ess), DANIEL CHICK (Haw) and DANIEL METROPOLIS (WCE) ... MATTHEW HOGG after 59 games with Footscray (1988-91) played his 100th for Carlton, while DARREN JARMAN following his 109 with Hawthorn (1991-95) played his 50th for Adelaide.

<> WEST COAST lost their fourth successive match for the second time in the nine season (1990-98) tenure of coach MICHAEL MALTHOUSE. The last time the Eagles suffered a similar string of defeat was in 1996 when they lost R2-3-4-5. In 1989, the last of the two-year stint of WA legend JOHN TODD, West Coast lost six on-the-trot from round six to round 11 — the low point of their 270 League matches since 1987.

FROM THE ROUND
<> BRISBANE in their 15th contest at Waverley since 1987 won for third time at the venue. It was their first victory there since their defeat of the Saints, 94-R19, ending a string of six losses at the Park. Brisbane's other win at Waverley was versus Fitzroy, 89-R21 … <> PAUL BRODERICK following 131 consecutive games with Fitzroy and now Richmond was dropped from the Tigers line-up for the Melbourne game. His run started in round 10 of 1992 … <> the 89pt loss to Port Adelaide ranks 8th of Carlton's "Big Defeats" in League football. The Blues' biggest loss in the League was on Saturday May 28 1983 when North defeated them by 111pts at the Arden Street Oval, 29.19-193 to 11.16-82 … <> The 10 goals by TONY LOCKETT equalled the 1935 best by a Swan against Collingwood when BOB PRATT kicked 10.6 at the Lake Oval, Albert Park in the 12th round. The 10.1 by 'Plugger' was the 20th occasion he has kicked 10 goals or more in a League match. This time, Lockett kicked 1-4-2-3 to reach his ten … <> The 7.7-49 on Sunday was the lowest MELBOURNE score versus Richmond for 33 years, since 65-R1-MCG when the Demons kicked 7.5-47.

<||> Hawthorn produced a sustained, disciplined effort against Freo at the WACA to crush the Dockers by 42pts. Most of the 22,037 crowd on Friday night had long departed before the final siren. Though the Hawks relaxed from their 61pt last-break advantage they succeeded in shaking off their mental problems of fading out.

Alan East reporting in The Age on comments from winning coach Ken Judge: "Judge was spot-on with his tribute to the spirit and character of his Hawks; players such as Aaron Lord, Richard Taylor, Rayden Tallis, Angelo Lekkas and Shane Crawford were hard at it all game. Their intensity, especially when they knocked Fremantle's speed and spirit with the first seven goals, was huge and they could be forgiven for a brief respite when the Dockers rallied with four unanswered goals.

Champion forward JASON DUNSTALL spent the greater part of the match nursing an ice-packed right knee (it was tendonitis) – not the one which has undergone two reconstructions. Whether a first quarter incident involving Dunstall and Jones (Fre) will bring closer scrutiny is awaited.

The stinging defeat suffered will do little to gain respect for the Dockers in their home-town, or as the saying goes — "perfect one day, pathetic the next" — HAWTHORN 15.9-99 (Dunstall 3, Dixon 3) best, Salmon, S.Crawford, Tallis, FREMANTLE 8.9-57 best, Jones, Norrish, Gale.

<||> On Friday night, the match originally scheduled in the draw for Waverley then switched to Vic Park, was played at the MCG. For a big 57,894 (the greatest ever to watch the Pies and Swans in a home-and-away game) the Magpies were supreme, landing killer-punches in the opening quarter. Holding a 25pt margin, a 10-goal victory by the Woods over Sydney was on the cards with NATHAN BUCKLEY already having 10 possessions.

The Swans kicked eight unanswered goals to turn the deficit into a 22pt lead as Kelly, Maxfield, Nicks and Schwass regained control of the midfield. With Stafford recovering to make the ruck battle with Monkhorst an even affair, Sydney dictated proceedings and the man-mountain TONY LOCKETT completed much of the good work despite his troublesome knee.

Lockett went on to kick his 20th double-digit tally of his 241-game career with 10.1 for the night — he was the icing on a deliciously enjoyable victory by a classy side; the Harboursiders by percentage retained top place — SYDNEY 18.7-115 (Lockett 10.1, O'Loughlin 3) best, Lockett, Stafford, Kelly, COLLINGWOOD 12.7-79 (Watson 4) best, Buckley, Patterson, Crosisca.

<||> Port Adelaide registered its biggest AFL win and kicked its highest score when it defeated Carlton on Saturday at Optus Oval (16,058) by a thumping 89pts. The Blues, who won the premiership with 23 victories of 25 games in 1995 were taken apart by the young Port line-up who kicked 15 goals to three in the second half.

The star for Port Adelaide was 19-year-old WARREN TREDREA who kicked 8.4 in his eighth League game. His great story had a note of disappointment when Tredrea dislocated a knee cap late in the game, but the damage is less than first feared and he should return after a short layoff. Earlier Port lost their key ruckman MATTHEW PRIMUS with a knee injury – his return may be longer. DARREN MEAD also suffered concussion in the first half.

The Carlton side now clearly in rebuilding mode, fell to 16th position at the bottom of the ladder — PORT ADELAIDE 25.15-165 (Tredrea 8.4, Lockwood 3, Morton 3) best, Tredrea, Lade, Stevens, CARLTON 11.10-76 (Pearce 5) best, Sexton, Pearce, Ratten.

<||> JARROD MOLLOY returning for his first game since his knee reconstruction provided the lift Brisbane were looking for when he kicked three goals in the opening term of the contest against St Kilda at Waverley (23,960) on Saturday. The Saints who started well in the first 15 minutes were overcome by uncertain handling, erratic disposal and poor decision-making.

Len Johnson in The Age reported: "Brisbane, on the other hand, began to grab every chance offered. Still, it seemed St Kilda would find enough to win after a second quarter in which ROBERT HARVEY cut loose. As in the first quarter, the momentum was a while building, but once the Saints got on top they were away."

Brisbane with a strong win worked hard in the third building a lead with 7.1 to 1.0. Taking a 27pt break into the last quarter, they withstood a challenge then held the Saints out for a creditable 17pt win — BRISBANE 15.9-99 (Molloy 6, Hart 3) best, Molloy, Hart, Hilton, ST KILDA 11.16-82 best, Harvey, Winmar, Jones. Brisbane's victory was emotionally celebrated by the players following the recent trauma of the Alastair Lynch appearance at the Tribunal.

<||> Jake Niall in The Age reported that Geelong's strong defence and slight edge in skill enabled it to survive a late and unexpected last challenge by Essendon in the Saturday night game at the MCG which drew a crowd of 56,093.

"The Cats led by 18pts at three-quarter time and by 23pts 12 minutes into the last quarter. Given that this was a low-scoring affair and that the Dons had had only 11 scoring shots, the match appeared as good as over. But the Bombers, who had been dormant since the second quarter, lifted. Quick goals to DEAN SOLOMON, MARK MERCURI and DUSTIN FLETCHER reduced the margin to five points 18 minutes in the term."

"The critical moment came with two minutes remaining. The Cats led by four points when MATTHEW LLOYD took a fine mark at centre half-forward. He quickly handballed to a running JUSTIN BLUMFIELD who kicked a shocker straight to Geelong's MICHAEL MANSFIELD. The ball quickly rebounded to the other end, when opportunist JASON SNELL goaled with less than a minute left. Any chance the Bombers had of a late miracle was snuffed when the unfortunate Blumfield missed a shot for goal from 15 metres." — GEELONG 12.7-79 (Spinks 5, Snell 3) best, Graham, McGrath, Sholl, ESSENDON 11.4-70 best, Mercuri, Lucas, Caracella.

<||> In "100 minutes of football" the 39,057 parochial crowd at Footy Park on Sunday had nine minutes of nail-biting as West Coast surged home from a 29pt deficit. The result went to Adelaide by a tight eight points, but it was evident a lot of hard work is ahead of both the Eagles and the Crows if they are to be worthy contenders this season.

Ii was a willing struggle in good conditions with Adelaide in front by almost six goals at the start of the last quarter before the Sandgropers with a strong wind behind them clicked and the Crows wilted.

Both coaches Malcolm Blight and Michael Malthouse warned against continuing to over-rate their sides. For the Eagles, it was their fourth defeat on-the-trot and down to 12th place, while the Crows are after seven are 3+4 and outside the Eight in 9th position — ADELAIDE 11.13-79 (Eccles 4, Jarman 3) best, Rehn, Ricciuto, Connell, WEST COAST 10.11-71 best, Jakovich, Waterman, Morrison.

<||> How can a side remain goalless for half the game, and run home victors by seven goals? Richmond have the answer but few of the 46,217 who watched Sunday's MCG game would provide an plausible explanation.

Melbourne were flat as a tack following their five wins from the first six games with the most potent of statistics revealing not one of their key forwards David Schwarz, Garry Lyon, Shaun Smith or Russell Robertson took a mark against Richmond. They seemed painfully reminiscent of the wooden-spoon team of 1997.

Linda Pearce observed in The Age: "Yet that was also a credit to   Richmond. Its defence, led in the absence of the injured Paul Bulluss by Darren Gaspar, Scott Turner, Jason Torney and first-gamer Andrew Kellaway, was watertight. Matthew Knights and Wayne Campbell were sweeping forward from half-back and Matthew Rogers, Nick Daffy and Ben Harrison were also getting plenty of the ball."

The Tigers kicked 8.4 to one goal in the last term to overrun a very tired Demon outfit — RICHMOND 13.13-91 (Richardson 3) best, Knights, Rogers, Gaspar, MELBOURNE 7.7-49 best, Viney (in his 200th), Shanahan, Ingerson.

<||> The Western Bulldogs continued to display their characteristic aggression when they gained a thorough 28pt victory over North Melbourne at Carlton on Sunday. For most of the encounter the scores were close, and the lead changed regularly. The skills of the day were not great but the game delivered all the 22,058 who were at Optus Oval could have hoped for — scores were twice level and 16pts the widest margin in the first three quarters.

The strength of the Bulldog midfield of Romero, West, Johnson, Brown and Montgomery was the edge, despite the hard work for the Roos provided by Grant, Bell, Stevens and Rock.

The Doggies burst away in the final term and though North maintained their effort they were overrun by the sheer tenacity of the Westerners who kicked 8.2 to romp away and retain equal League leadership, BULLDOGS 16.15-111 (Grant 4, Hudson 3, Montgomery 3, Southern 3) best, West, Romero, Brown, NORTH 12.11-83 (Carey 4) best, Grant, Stevens, Archer.

TRIBUNAL
The Monday (11th) sitting of the AFL Tribunal was a mixed bag.

Essendon forward MATTHEW LLOYD was not required to appear after his striking charge was withdrawn following the scrutiny of video evidence.

However, Lloyd's teammate ANDREW BOMFORD drew a citing from video of the same match. Bomford was found to have been reckless of jumping into Geelong's RONNIE BURNS and was suspended for two matches.

Hawthorn's JASON DUNSTALL departed the Tribunal visibly angry after his charge of striking Fremantle's ANTHONY JONES was adjourned another 24 hours. A video link with Perth could not be obtained, denying Jones the opportunity to see the video evidence.

TENSIONS EMERGE AT WINDY HILL
Differences at Windy Hill between senior coach KEVIN SHEEDY and assistant coach MARK THOMPSON became public. Michael Stevens in the Herald Sun (12th) stated: "Three independent sources have confirmed Thompson told McMahon (Essendon president) and Jackson (Essendon CEO) he could no longer work with Sheedy."

Graham McMahon admitted Thompson and Sheedy had argued but strongly denied Thompson had approached him on the issue.

A meeting of the club's football coaching unit met to settle the differences, however it is believed what remains is an "uneasy truce."

STAB KICKS …
<> In Adelaide, Sturt following their Saturday victory over front-runners West Adelaide hit top place on the SANFL premiership table for the first time since 1983's 17th round. That was also the year of their most recent grand final appearance. The Double Blues are 5+1 from their first six games.

Tribunal #2 —
DUNSTALL FOUND NOT GUILTY
At the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night (12th) Hawthorn legend JASON DUNSTALL was cleared of striking ANTHONY JONES (Fre).

The hearing which lasted an hour saw Hawthorn successfully argue that Dunstall's hand was open at all times in his clash with Jones — umpire JOHN HARVEY refused to budge on the issue of whether Dunstall's hand was open.

The Tribunal. headed by Brian Collis, QC, took only seconds to deliver a not guilty verdict.

3AW LEAD MMM IN RADIO RATINGS
Radio ratings for the Melbourne market were released on Tuesday (12th). In the major time-slots REX HUNT and the 3AW team were clear winners, ahead of Triple M and 3LO with Magic 693 not far away.

TRIBUNAL #3
LYNCH MATTER ADJOURNED AGAIN
A five-hour sitting of the AFL Tribunal on Wednesday (13th) failed to reach a conclusion in the Alastair Lynch drug case. Legal experts and witness made up 21 people who attended.
Tony Peek, the AFL communications manager after the hearing read a statement attributed to tribunal chairman Brian Collis, QC — "The tribunal has sat for some five hours in an endeavour to finalise this matter. Unfortunately it cannot be reasonably concluded this day and has had to be adjourned until next Wednesday at 5pm which is the next suitable day for all parties concerned. That's the end of the statement and we are not in a position to make any further comment."
Earlier, Brisbane chairman Noel Gordon foreshadowed the possibility the matter may be headed for the Supreme Court. Speaking on Channel 10 news Gordon said, "I understand there has been some reticence in regard to witnesses appearing here. I'm not sure where the pressure has come from, but I'll leave the viewers (to) make their own decisions in regard to that."

Classy 'Dogs gain one-game break
Adelaide under the hammer
Pies-Demons provide Sunday thrills

ROUND 8 — Fri-Sat-Sun, May 15-16-17.
MILESTONES — JIM STYNES (Mel) achieved his 250th game … 150 games for NIGEL SMART (Ade) and BRETT RATTEN (Car) … 100 games SHAUN REHN (Ade) … 50 games by seven players MATTHEW BURTON (Fre), JEFF FARMER (Mel), DANNY DICKFOS (Bri), MATTHEW FRANCIS (Rch 19, now Col), TRISTAN LYNCH (Bri), JASON NORRISH (Fre), while PETER CAVEN following his 39 with Fit and 18 with Syd played his 50th for the Crows …

FROM THE ROUND
<> PORT ADELAIDE from their record-setting club record of 25.15-165 in round 7, slumped to post the lowest score of the season so far, 5.15-45 … <> Geelong enjoyed its fifth consecutive victory over Fremantle … <> North and Sydney at the MCG drew the biggest crowd to see the pair in a home-and-away match. Previous highest was 31,037 78-R11 at Waverley … <> the Bulldogs won their third successive outing over Hawthorn — the best in 43 years against the Glenferrie boys … <> The McDONALD brothers added another page to League records. The three brothers ANTHONY and JAMES for Melbourne and ALEX for Collingwood participated in the one match on Sunday at the MCG … <> CARLTON lost their seventh on-the-trot, their Longest Losing Sequence since 1988-89 when they lost their last two games and the first five of 1989. In a season, the Blues last dropped seven in 1955, R5-6-7-8-9-10-11. The seventh defeat also brought the longest run of failure in DAVID PARKIN's 453-match coaching career extending back to 1977 … <> three interstate sides Brisbane, Fremantle and Port Adelaide, kicked a combined total of 29 goals 55 behinds — 8.22, 6.18 and 5.15.

<||> The Friday opener at the MCG (35,384) would be looked back on as a good game played out by two desperate teams. A highlight was the ferocity Brisbane displayed in the second quarter when DION SCOTT and the unit were on fire. The Lions unfortunately were unable to sustain the pace as Essendon found a greater measure of desperation in the last half to run out 14pt winners. At this time, it's difficult to assess how far either will go in the premiership race.

Len Johnson reported in The Age: "The Lions kicked atrociously, kicking only eight goals from 30 scoring shots (six more than Essendon). But no fewer than nine of those behinds were rushed through by a desperate Essendon defence. The Dons' backline worked tirelessly all night, with the unheralded PETER BERBAKOV achieving a notable victory over JARROD MOLLOY."

SEAN WELLMAN and DAMIEN HARDWICK were also excellent in the Bomber defence. Apart from the three goals from DION SCOTT in the first half, Brisbane lacked a winning attacker all night — ESSENDON 12.12-84 (Alessio 4) best, Alessio, Hardwick, Misiti, BRISBANE 8.22-70 (D.Scott 3) best, M.Voss, C.Scott, Ashcroft.

<||> Kardinia Park on Saturday afternoon brought difficult conditions for Geelong and Fremantle and the 19,449 who attended. The ball proved slippery and hard to control in the drizzle and the wind. Geelong turned a two-point lead at quarter-time, but took an eternity to capitalise on kicking with the wind. Yet by the end of the quarter, Geelong had gone to a 29pt lead and seemed to have the match in its keeping.

By the time Waterhouse scored 10 minutes into the third, it had almost been two full quarters since the Dockers' first goal. Freo worked hard and with only the last term left had reduced the margin to only 11pts.

The Cats however proved steadier in the last term and though lacking a dominant forward got home by 22pts — GEELONG 12.4-76 (Lynch 3) best, Mensch, Barnes, Sanderson, FREMANTLE 6.18-54 best, Fletcher, Norrish, Kickett.

<||> North and Sydney left no doubts they are top-four teams, serving up one of the best games of the season on Saturday before 43,400 at the MCG. Rohan Connelly noted in The Age: "The Roos emerged from a hard, tough but skilful contest with a tremendous 10-point win over the ladder leader after clawing their way back from three goals down early in the third quarter."

In contrast to the 1996 grand final contest, the Roos jumped to an early lead but were overrun by the Coathangers in the second for Sydney to break clear by 17pts at half time. Injuries may have taken a toll on the Harboursiders with both JOHN STEVENS (groin) and ROBBIE AHMAT (hamstring) not returning for the second half, while TONY LOCKETT still nursing a knee injury was on the bench early in the last.

The Kangas took control midway in the last after another burst of brilliance from WAYNE CAREY who rammed home two quick goals, and another added through Abraham. The Swans will derive some positives despite defeat in the form of big forward BRENT GREEN (four goals) and young utility JASON SADDINGTON. One report dampened Sydney's finish as ANDREW DUNKLEY was booked for striking Carey. Let's hope the Tribunal look closely at the video for what brought about the scuffle — NORTH MELB 15.15-105 (Carey 4, Blakey 3) best, Archer, King, Blakey, SYDNEY 14.11-95 (Green 4, Kelly 3) best, Stafford, Kelly, Schwass.

<||> In chilly Saturday night conditions, only 20,063 attended Waverley to watch a poor-standard game, marred by appalling disposal. Jake Niall in The Age observed: "The Saints gained a handy break early in the first quarter (when they kicked four goals in eight minutes), and maintained it for most of the match, extending it slightly in the last."

PETER EVERITT was the instigator of St Kilda's early burst. He kicked a goal, won a couple of decisive hit-outs in the middle – including a perfect palm to NATHAN BURKE that led to a GAVIN MITCHELL goal – and won three centre free kicks, two resulting in goals.

Port's inability to kick goals (only five from 20 shots) resulted from the Saints' strong defence unit led by SHANE WAKELIN, MAX HUDGHTON, JUSTIN PECKETT and STEVEN SZILLER proving far-too strong. ROBERT HARVEY (StK) continued in outstanding fashion with another 35-possession game — ST KILDA 10.12-72 (Mitchell 3) best, Mitchell, Peckett, Harvey, PORT ADELAIDE 5.15-45 best, Heuskes, Stevens, Lade.

<||> One of the bigger crowds so far (37,361) packed the Subiaco Oval on Sunday to watch Carlton, winless from the past half-dozen starts set the early pace. BRETT RATTEN (in his 150th) gave the Blues a solid start but they soon lost the momentum with a midfield shuffle after captain CRAIG BRADLEY left with a hamstring strain.

The Coasters took control and were cruising home with a 44pt lead 10 minutes into the last. Then West hit a brick wall and Carlton swept back with six unanswered goals to fail by only eight points. Other than Carlton's great finish, the game was a yawn and maintains the doubt whether West Coast can make the finals for a ninth successive year — WEST COAST 12.20-92 (Cousins 3) best, Cousins, Read, Kemp, CARLTON 12.12-84 (Pearce 5, Hamill 3) best, Ratten, Hulme, Lock.

<||> Two factors came out of the Waverley (34,541) game on Sunday — even with bad knees JASON DUNSTALL is still a champion, and the Western Bulldogs are a very classy outfit. Dunstall, the Hawthorn legend kicked six goals in the first quarter (at 3, 12, 18, 20, 21 and 28-minutes) to give his side a huge start. He finished with 8.0 for the day before departing the game early in the last quarter.

The Bulldogs absorbed the first shock wave, then coolly went away to record an efficient 40pt victory. With skills and dash through the midfield, the Doggies took control of the game with SCOTT WYND delivering an enormous effort from his dominance, taking 12 marks, while SIMON GARLICK and ROHAN SMITH had a powerful influence on the result with their thrusts into the forward line — WESTERN BULLDOGS 21.10-136 (Brown 4, Grant 3, Hudson 3) best, Wynd, Garlick, Southern, HAWTHORN 14.12-96 (Dunstall 8.0) best, Dunstall, Tallis, Robran.

<||> Shades of the glory days returned during a gripping last quarter of the Pies-Demons clash on Sunday at the MCG when 57,425 showed up. The Magpies in the dying minutes had reduced Melbourne's 21pt lead to a single point. It was a "tooth-and-nail" job as the two Rocca brothers almost pulled the game back for Collingwood — Anthony hit the post and Big Sav was off line.

Martin Blake reporting in The Age — Yet Melbourne too, would have been rated as unfortunate had it lost ... the Redlegs drew match-winning performances from three young, inexperienced players ... one came from 18-year-old BRENT GRGIC who marked 12 times when shifted from defence to centre half-forward; TRAVIS JOHNSTONE, 17, who came off the bench to kick four goals; ANDREW LEONCELLI, whose gather of a loose ball near the members' wing deep in the last quarter, was followed by a dash along the boundary, then a long clearing kick which doused Collingwood's fire.

The Magpies were close to having it right — they drew fine performances from NATHAN BUCKLEY and PAUL WILLIAMS in the midfield, while the Roccas kicked seven goals between them — MELBOURNE 17.12-114 (Smith 5, Farmer 3) best, Stynes (his 250th), Grgic, Johnstone, COLLINGWOOD 16.15-111 (S.Rocca 4, A.Rocca 3) best, Buckley, Crosisca, Williams.

<||> A warm 22, and brilliant sunshine at Footy Park on Sunday made hot, hard work for both sides. The Tigers found another way to thrill their fans when they flogged the reigning premiers with a great last quarter — Richmond from a 19pt deficit doubled their score to win by 13pts.

Alan Shiell reporting from Adelaide eye-balled five players responsible for Richmond's revival — midfielder MATTHEW ROGERS, ruckman BRENDON GALE and forwards NICK DAFFY, MATTHEW RICHARDSON and JOEL BOWDEN. Adelaide early moved like a winner 20 minutes into the third quarter but thereafter were outscored 9.4 to 3.4 and Richmond breezed through the Crows' half-back line.

The Tigers rose, Adelaide fell away to the displeasure of coach MALCOLM BLIGHT who failed to see the match out, leaving the coach's box with five minutes to go — RICHMOND 14.8-92 (Bowden 3, Holland 3) best, Rogers, B.Gale, Daffy, ADELAIDE 11.13-79 (Jameson 6) best, Jameson, Koster, James.

STAB KICKS …
<> Another "it wasn't a goal" blunder caused the rarely-seen "crossed-flags" signal on Saturday night at Waverley. NICKY WINMAR to the scoreboard end in the second quarter watched his kick slew away but it was signalled as a goal. Field umpire CRAIG DURHAM overruled goal umpire PETER HERRICK who on Monday was suspended for two matches ...
__________

<> Adelaide coach MALCOLM BLIGHT couldn't bear to watch the closing stages of the Crows' performance against Richmond — with five minutes left, he left the coach's box and headed for the change rooms — later in the week, Blight was warned that coaches are not allowed anywhere but the designated area near or on the interchange bench while a match is in progress ...
__________

<> Carlton coach DAVID PARKIN was attacked by six larrikins in a car park near the MCG Gallery of Sport last Friday night (15th) as he departed the Essendon-Brisbane game at half-time. Parkin was jostled, hit from behind, and had his car kicked. The incident was reported to police and drew moves which may see security increased …

TRIBUNAL
DUNKLEY OUT FOR 3 WEEKS
Prior suspensions for striking offences counted against ANDREW DUNKLEY (Syd) when he faced a striking charge on WAYNE CAREY (NM) at Monday's (18th) AFL Tribunal. A confession by Carey – "I probably overacted and didn't do Andrew any justice" – nor was the contact forceful, failed to save the Sydney defender.

Tribunal chairman BRIAN COLLIS, QC, found the Swans' vice-captain action was reckless and rubbed Dunkley out for three-matches "because of prior convictions".

Dunkley in his 127 games has twice received two-match suspensions for striking during each of the two recent finals series.
GAVIN MITCHELL (StK) had his charge of striking Port captain GAVIN WANGANEEN dismissed, while West Coast rookie PHILLIP READ pleaded guilty to striking AARON HAMILL (Car) with the 18-year-old Eagle punished with a one-match penalty.

Hawthorn player RAYDEN TALLIS after the game against Western had scratches under his left eye and on his neck and chest. The player was understood to have spoken twice to umpire DAVID ACKLAND who lodged a notice of possible investigation. The AFL ruled that no further action would be taken on the incident.

To avoid further controversy, at a players' meeting on Tuesday (19th) Western Bulldogs coach TERRY WALLACE ordered his players to present their nails for inspection by medical staff before each game. Wallace said the constant controversy over scratching tactics had become a frustrating distraction.

STAB KICKS …
<> In the last quarter on Saturday at Kardinia Park, Fremantle forward CLIVE WATERHOUSE (Fre) was paid a mark by the controlling umpire TIM SHEARER when he collected a low skimming kick. Veteran umpire PETER CAREY ran in from a distance and after consultation Shearer reversed his decision. Video replays were not conclusive if the ball had been taken cleanly but Shearer was within metres of the incident. AFL umpires’ boss PETER SCHWAB ruled: "I have instructed the umpires that if both are 100 per cent sure, but their opinions conflict, the decision of the controlling umpire in the zone should stand".

HALL OF FAME
SIX ADDED AS LEGENDS
AFL Commission chairman RON EVANS at the Regent Theatre ballroom on Saturday evening (16th) announced six names to be added to the Australian Football Hall of Fame, and the elevation of Collingwood's GORDON COVENTRY to Legend of the Game status. The new members are —
JACK CLARKE, 206 games, 1952-62, East Fremantle
TERRY DANIHER, 313 games, 1976-92, South Melb and Essendon
KEN FARMER, 224 games, 1419 goals, 1929-41, North Adelaide
FRED FLANAGAN, 163 games, 182 goals, 1946-55, Geelong
ALLAN RUTHVEN, 222 games, 442 goals, 1940-54, Fitzroy
LEN THOMPSON, 301 games, 1965-80, Col, SM, Fit
Coventry joins Ron Barassi, Haydn Bunton senior, Roy Cazaly, John Coleman, Jack Dyer, Graham Farmer, Leigh Matthews, John Nicholls, Bob Pratt, Dick Reynolds, Bob Skilton, Ian Stewart and Ted Whitten senior as Legends of the Game.

TRIBUNAL
DRUG CASE TWICE ADJOURNED
The Alastair Lynch drug hearing will continue into a fourth sitting after the AFL Tribunal failed to hand down a decision at a four-hour Wednesday hearing.

At the fourth hearing on Thursday (21st) ALASTAIR LYNCH gave evidence for four-and-a-half hours — more than 18 hours of evidence, argument and submissions have been heard. The Tribunal will continue the hearing on Monday (25th).

'Dogs maintain outright leadership
Tony Lockett passes 1200 goals
Freo darken Saints' 1900th game

ROUND 9 — Fri-Sat-Sun, May 22-23-24.
MILESTONES — ST KILDA played their 1900th League game … STAN ALVES became only the second man (after Allan Jeans) to coach the Saints in 100 games … JOHN WORSFOLD (WCE) played his 200th … 150 games for MICHAEL MANSFIELD (Gee) ... 100 to COREY McKERNAN (NM) and PETER EVERITT (StK) … 50 games for ANTHONY ROCCA (22 Syd, now Col), ANDREW McGOVERN (20 Syd, now Fre), ALEX McDONALD (46 Haw, now Col), DARREN GASPAR (21 Syd, now Rch) and CHAD MORRISON (WCE).

FROM THE ROUND
<> CARLTON suffered their eighth consecutive defeat — equalling their run of 1898-99 and entering the zone of their 14-game run of defeats of 1901-02.
<> Geelong and West Coast failed to goal in the first quarter at Kardinia Park. The most recent instance was on Sunday August 4 1996 at Princes Park when Richmond and Brisbane didn't goal in the second quarter. Before that it was in 1991s 17th round when at three-quarter time on July 13th Essendon 6.6-42 trailed Richmond 7.15-57. Both failed to major in the last term, ending with Tigers 7.18-60, Dons 6.7-43.
<> Last Saturday was the first goalless quarter at Kardinia Park since the opening round of 1965 when Geelong 0.0 were behind Footscray 0.1 at the first change. On the same day both Hawthorn and Collingwood were pointless in the first quarter.
<> TONY LOCKETT (Syd) kicked his 21st bag of 10 goals or more. He also broke the Swans' goalkicking record against Hawthorn. His 11.6 topped the eight goals kicked by BOB PRATT in 1935, LAURIE NASH in 1936 and KEN EVANS in 1940. It was his 61st game for Sydney and his second goal on Sunday was his 300th for Sydney.
<> North Melbourne in their 129th meeting with Carlton recorded their best run of four-straight wins over the Blues, topping their three victories of 1973-74 and 1975-76.
<> SYDNEY became the first club in 1998 to pass 1000 points. They did so in the last quarter when 'Plugger' kicked his ninth goal.
<> Published crowds for the weekend round totalled 235,452.

In St Kilda's 1900th League game, and STAN ALVES' 100th as coach the turning point on Friday night at the WACA (22,803) came seven minutes into the third term when Freo trailed 7.6 to 3.14. From a marking contest STEWART LOEWE (StK) had his right knee buckle under him and the reaction to the injury slammed his head into the knee. In the same passage of play an accidental elbow from a Freo defender caused a gash to Loewe's head which required eight stitches. Loewe was stretched in a neck brace and took no further part. Later examination revealed the fear of a knee reconstruction for the powerful forward. (by Monday, Loewe was cleared of serious damage).

Fremantle became the dominant force, kicking 11 goals to six in the last half to storm home over the Saints for a 15pt victory. The win was based around the power exerted by MATTHEW BURTON (Fre) the 210cm ruckman who gained fine support from rover CRAIG CALLAGHAN and the durable ADRIAN FLETCHER — FREMANTLE 14.21-105 (Holland 3) best, Burton, Fletcher, Holland, ST KILDA 13.12-90 (A.Thompson 4) best, Harvey, A.Thompson, Jones.

<||> North extended Carlton's losing-run to eight games with a solid 41pt win over the Blues at Optus for 20,205 fans on a windy Saturday. Rain was always threatening and the gloom surrounding Carlton deepened after their goalless (0.5) opening. The Blues have not suffered a worse run since 1901.

In the scrappy, congested game, the Kangas flooded Carlton's forward lines in the first and third quarters when the Blues had the wind. North with the advantage slammed on 7.4 in the last to grind Carlton and settle a few old scores — NORTH MELB 17.13-115 (Longmire 4, Abraham 3, Bell 3) best, Longmire, King, Bell, CARLTON 10.14-74 best, Silvagni, Ratten, Brown.

<||> Strong winds and late rain at Kardinia Park on Saturday (19,848) was the setting for Eagles' captain JOHN WORSFOLD's 200th game. West Coast made a few sentimental changes with the inclusion of CHRIS LEWIS and TONY EVANS, significant to the long association of the trio since formation of the club in 1987.

The match produced a goalless first quarter as both the Cats and Eagles managed only 0.3-3 apiece. It was the first occasion since 91-R17-WH when the Dons and Tigers both failed to goal in the final term.

To set up their victory West Coast kicked four unanswered goals in the second term and maintained control for the balance of the contest — WEST COAST 9.11-65 best, Cousins, Evans, McIntosh, GEELONG 5.14-44 best, Colbert, Barnes, Mensch.

<||> Essendon for the MCG Saturday twilight game at the MCG (49,580) regained captain JAMES HIRD after six weeks absence. Hird who gathered 20 possessions and seven marks, had an engrossing duel with rising Melbourne youngster SHANE WOEWODIN and enjoyed a dominant midfield presence.
DARREN BEWICK (Ess) after appearing lame in the first half kicked three goals in the third term to give his side the advantage in a decisive burst.
The stronger Bomber midfield was the critical factor of the contest in which Melbourne after the long break never really threatened. The strengthening of the Essendon unit serves a warning to those above them on the table — ESSENDON 18.14-122 (Bewick 3, Lloyd 3) best, Bewick, Calthorpe, Misiti, MELBOURNE 12.12-84 best, Johnstone, Leoncelli, Yze.

<||> Richmond and the Bulldogs delivered a crowd-pleasing contest for 36,428 at Waverley on Saturday. Until three-quarter time, the game was evenly balanced then Western turned on a fiery finish to shake off the persistent Tigers.

The Bulldogs through PAUL HUDSON and MATTHEW DENT, kicked two goals in the first five minutes of the last, then JOSE ROMERO (20 kicks, 3 goals) gave them a two-goal break. The Doggies again displayed pin-point delivery off the foot to a teammate as their class and confidence continues to grow — WESTERN BULLDOGS 13.10-88 (Romero 3) best, Johnson, Romero, Southern), RICHMOND 11.9-75 (Richardson 4, Evans 3) best, Gaspar, Knights, Campbell.

<||> The impact of Adelaide's failure against Richmond the previous week was apparent by their Saturday night display at the Gabba for 19,509 fans. The Crows' backline was again outstanding, holding Brisbane to a miserable six goals for the evening. The Lions had their chance in the early part but could never seize the moment.

Adelaide killed the contest with a great second term of 7.3 to lead by eight goals at half time, 11.6 to 3.6. SHAUN REHN (Ade) maintained his great form and managed to be everywhere at once. Though Brisbane benefited from a reduced injury list, their front-runners were hassled by Adelaide's tackling, height in defence and the ruck dominant duo of Rehn and Pittman. The dampener for the Crows was the report on NIGEL SMART for striking — ADELAIDE 14.14-98 (Jarman 4) best, Rehn, Tregenza, Jarman, BRISBANE 6.14-50 best, M.Voss, Lappin, McRae.

<||> Two of the great full-forwards the game has produced TONY LOCKETT (Syd) and JASON DUNSTALL (Haw) were opponents for possibly the last time, in near-perfect conditions at the SCG on Sunday for a big 31,420 spectators. Lockett before half-time became the third player to reach 1200 goals with his fourth for the day — from a classic lead to a Kelly pass and a dead-eye shot from 45 metres on the outer boundary. 'Plugger' finished the game with a sensational 11.6 (six goals, two behinds in the last), and got the match-ball as a souvenir.

Hawthorn had worked so hard yet trailed by 23pts at 19 minutes into the third. Persistency paid off and the Hawks with five goals surged back to lead the Swans by a goal, 10 minutes into the last term. Then Lockett took the spotlight and in 13 minutes kicked five goals (and Barry got his second), before 'Plugger' ended affairs with another 1.1 — it was an awesome display by the man-mountain of 244 games.

The match was further highlighted by the workrate of TROY LUFF, the Swans' inspired choice at full-back for the suspended Dunkley — SYDNEY 17.15-117 (Lockett 11.6) best, Lockett, Cresswell, Luff, HAWTHORN 11.14-80 (Dunstall 4, Dixon 3) best, S.Crawford, Holland, Dixon.

<||> In slippery conditions after heavy rain, Football Park (35,659) became another graveyard for Collingwood's hopes as they slid to a 17pt defeat at the hands of Port Adelaide. After being on level terms in the low-scoring affair, the AFL Magpies were caught napping by costly turnovers to an inspired Port.

Port's much-criticised spearhead SCOTT CUMMINGS after a wretched first half produced four last-half goals — if it was his last chance as the pundits had predicted, Cummings answered in the most positive manner.

PAUL WILLIAMS and NATHAN BUCKLEY for the Pies, each an immaculate kick, missed running shots early in the last quarter when Collingwood had closed to within 13 points. The most critical of statistics showed ANTHONY ROCCA (Col) in his 50th game had one kick for the game — PORT ADELAIDE 11.14-80 (Cummings 5) best, Lade, Stevens, Cummings, COLLINGWOOD 9.9-63 (S.Rocca 3) best, Buckley, Williams, Patterson.

TRIBUNAL #2
SMART AND DENT SUSPENDED
Charges from round nine matches heard on Monday (25th) resulted in Adelaide's NIGEL SMART being outed for two games for striking CRAIG McRAE (Bri), while MATTHEW DENT (WB) was punished with a three week suspension.

It was Dent's fourth suspension in as many years. Dent was found guilty of striking DAMIEN RYAN (Rch) on Saturday at Waverley Park.

A tripping charge against Richmond's ROBERT POWELL was withdrawn after video evidence was reviewed on Monday.

TRIBUNAL #3
ESSENDON ROOKIE SUSPENDED
DEAN SOLOMON (Ess) faced two reports at the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday (26th). He was suspended for two games and fined $1000. Solomon was punished for striking PAUL HOPGOOD (Mel) and a later incident for wrestling ADAM YZE (Mel). Yze was also fined $1000 for wrestling Solomon.

STAB KICKS …
<> Speculation on a return to Melbourne ended when MICHAEL MALTHOUSE signed on the dotted line with the Eagles who have secured him until the end of the 2001 season … <> JUSTIN CHARLES (Richmond) already under a 16-match suspension handed down by the AFL last September for using the banned steroid boldenone, has now been banned for two years by the Australian Olympic Committee despite the fact he no longer plays an Olympic sport … <> SYDNEY were fined $2000 after a Hawthorn trainer at the SCG on Sunday alerted field umpires. AFL admin manager ROD AUSTIN said: "A Sydney trainer had an earpiece and was delivering messages." The AFL rules ban the use of any communications device between the coach's box and training during games. Austin further confirmed there had been 11 official complaints about runners overstaying their presence on the field this year … <> AFL memberships are on the rise — SYDNEY have passed the 30,000 figure, while ST KILDA have reached 22,000 (8,870 in 1995) a valued advance on last year's 16,610 … <> The Seven Network's new football variety show "Live and Kicking" debuted strongly last Wednesday night (20th), with a peak audience in Melbourne of 853,000 and an average of 792,000 viewers. It recorded a peak rating of 38 in Melbourne, averaging the mid-30s and peaked at 37 in Adelaide and 31 in Perth. The Nine Network's "The Footy Show" averaged 524,000 viewers on Thursday night — The Age, May 26 … <> Brisbane utility DARYL WHITE revealed that following their 48pt defeat last Saturday night coach JOHN NORTHEY behind closed doors offered to stand down ...

Super Saints slaughter Sydney
Top four leaders crash
'Sav' and 'Piggy' boot big bags

ROUND 10 — Fri-Sat-Sun, May 29-30-31.
MILESTONES — WAYNE CAMPBELL (Rch) played his 150th senior game ... 100 games for SIMON TREGENZA (Ad) and DUSTIN FLETCHER (Ess) .. it was the 50th game for ANTHONY INGERSON (Mel).

FROM THE ROUND
<> NORTH MELBOURNE suffered its 850th League defeat on Sunday … <> both Geelong and Carlton scored their first centuries for the season. For Geelong it was 39 years since such a drought was experienced when in 1959 the Cats failed to kick three figures in the first 12 matches … <> Carlton's 100-plus was its first century since Round 19 last season — a gap of 12 consecutive matches  … <> St Kilda's won for the seventh successive time at the SCG. Their big score against Sydney on Saturday night sits well among the range of results when you consider the Swans haven't beaten the Saints at the SCG since 1989. In the 90s, Sydney have only beaten St Kilda twice in 14 starts — once in 1996 and 1997 — both were at Waverley … <> SAVERIO ROCCA's 11.1 was the 40th occasion a Collingwood player has kicked 10-goals or more in a League game. It was the 13th time Saverio Rocca has kicked seven-goals or more in a game for the Magpies.

<> On Friday night at the WACA rookie goal umpire DAVID SHAWCROSS set a new record. Shawcross (after 61 WAFL games) in his first AFL assignment signalled the first 19 goals of the match — 16 to the scoreboard end, eight by the Dogs in the first term, followed by eight from the Eagles in the second. After the long break, the first three goals of the second half were kicked to the city end where Shawcross had moved. Umpires of the night awarded David the match ball.

<||> A crowd of 28,193 on Friday night at the WACA witnessed an extraordinary two quarters of football. The Doggies were supreme at the opening and held a 48pt quarter-time lead of 8.4 to 0.4 following SCOTT WYND's textbook ruckwork and the midfield combination of JOSE ROMERO, BRETT MONTGOMERY and SCOTT WEST.

The second term was equally as stunning as West Coast sparked by the ruck effort of JASON BALL and the taming of Romero and West by DEAN KEMP and MICHAEL BRAUN. The Eagles took the lead just before the half-time siren, 8.6 to 8.5. The first 16 goals of the game were all kicked to the scoreboard end.

The last half was an even battle with the West withstanding a solid challenge by the Dogs to win an amazing night of footy by 13pts — WEST COAST 16.17-113 (Morrison 4, Gehrig 3) best, Ball, Gehrig, Braun, BULLDOGS 15.10-100 (Hudson 5, Grant 3) best, Hudson, Wynd, Romero.

<||> Carlton and Brisbane, the two under-achievers of 1998 faced each other at Optus (18,317) on Saturday. The Blues recorded their best opening of the season with 6.2 and held on strongly to break their eight-game losing streak.

Carlton were in front by seven goals at one stage and in the pattern of the game, the Lions fought back. Given that Bradley, Ratten, Murphy and Camporeale were in touch, its easier to understand how the Blues kicked 17 goals. Carlton by percentage stayed on the bottom, joining the Lions on 2+8. Four players were booked in the game — CARLTON 17.9-111 (Camporeale 3, Murphy 3, Hulme 3) best, Camporeale, Ratten, Hulme, BRISBANE 12.15-87 (White 3, Lappin 3) best, M.Voss, Hart, A.Lynch.

<||> Despite wonky knees, for the second time in three weeks, JASON DUNSTALL kicked Hawthorn's first six goals and seven of its first eight for the Hawks to almost steal the result over Essendon in the twilight game played at Waverley (41,780) on Saturday. Not until the 25 minute mark of the third quarter did a second Hawk kick a goal.

Hawthorn often dominated general play but Essendon found something and it was a pity the match ending as it did. Goal-umpiring came under the spotlight again when a kick from JUSTIN BLUMFIELD (Ess) appeared to shave the goal post yet was given the all-clear after consultation with two boundary umpires and field umpire TIM SHEARER.

SHANE CRAWFORD (Haw) did a good job of containing Essendon captain JAMES HIRD while JONATHAN HAY (Haw) was effective on MATTHEW LLOYD (Ess) — ESSENDON 13.15-93 (Lucas 3) best, Wellman, Lucas, Caracella, HAWTHORN 13.9-87 (Dunstall 9.2) best, Dunstall, S.Crawford, Hay.

<||> "The engine room is where games are won and lost these days and it was Richmond that had half-a-dozen players stoking the furnaces all day while Port Adelaide was running on the equivalent of a half-bag of briquettes" — was how Charles Happell in The Age reviewed the Saturday game (31,225) at the MCG.

The Tigers were wasteful and their five-goal margin would have been greater had it not been for an off-target MATT RICHARDSON who took 15 marks but kicked only 4.7.

The Tigers now at 5+5 lost DUNCAN KELLAWAY when his left knee crumpled in the second term. A reconstruction will keep him out for the rest of the year. WAYNE CAMPBELL was again in brilliant form collecting 39 possessions — RICHMOND 13.19-97 (Richardson 4, Holland 3) best, B.Gale, Daffy, Richardson, PORT 9.13-67 best, Lyle, Francou, Eagleton.

<||> St Kilda were slick, efficient and ruthless as they devastated a lethargic Sydney outfit at the SCG on Saturday night. The winning margin of 101pts was the largest from 183 contests dating back to 1897. Most of the 36,180 present had long departed as the Saints margin mounted toward three digits. MARK RAY in The Sydney Morning Herald reviewing the match: "From the opening moments of the game, St Kilda seemed to have the ball on its fingertips. Every bounce seemed to go its way and every mistake seemed to be made by Sydney".

STEVEN SZILLER put his his stamp on the game in the second when he kicked four goals for the Saints, finishing with 6.2. Midfielder ROBERT HARVEY gave another classic Brownlow performance with 38 possessions in a match where St Kilda were so dominating. Sydney were truly pathetic and the scoreline flattered them — ST KILDA 24.10-154 (Sziller 6, Heatley 4, Brown 3, Sierakowski 3) best, Harvey, Sziller, Everitt, SYDNEY 8.5-53 (Lockett 4, O'Loughlin 3) best, Luff, Seymour, Lockett.

<||> The Demons suffered their third comprehensive thrashing in four weeks when they were overrun by Adelaide at Football Park on Sunday, before a crowd of 40,844. Against Adelaide's tight defence Melbourne were starved and managed just eight goals. Up by 20pts at the last change, Adelaide coach Malcolm Blight stirred his charges to a big win recalling their recent last term capitulation to the Tigers.

Two of the most telling aspects of the match was the strength of Crow ruckman SHAUN REHN and Adelaide's accuracy in the first half. JEFF WHITE did an outstanding job for Melbourne and battled manfully against Rehn and throughout the match around the ground. Already without two major play-makers (Andrew McLeod injured and Nigel Smart suspended) the Crows will wait anxiously on the Tribunal after DARREN JARMAN was booked for striking — ADELAIDE 17.9-111 (Jarman 3) best, James, Bond, Tregenza, MELBOURNE 8.10-58 best, White, Woewodin, S.Febey.

<||> Victoria Park, the remaining bastion of "suburban footy" welcomed 23,188 of the faithful on Sunday when Fremantle stood tall against the Magpies taking the result down to the wire. A singularly great one-man performance by SAVERIO ROCCA in kicking 11.1 (from 13 marks, 14 kicks) proved the difference as Collingwood following three successive losses crept home with a seven-point win. The rangy MATTHEW BURTON did a superb job in the ruck for Freo who into the third led by 28pts and looked capable of causing the upset.

Then NATHAN BUCKLEY began to break clear and eight-straight inspired the Magpies. But the Dockers were still not done and several late goals still gave them a sniff. Only the crunching collision between RICHARD OSBORNE (Col) and ADRIAN FLETCHER (Fre) which broke Fletcher's collarbone seemed to halt their run — COLLINGWOOD 19.5-117 (S.Rocca 11.1) best, S.Rocca, Buckley, Richardson, FREMANTLE 17.10-112 (Hunter 5) best, Burton, Fletcher, Norrish.

<||> GARRY HOCKING on Sunday returned to the Geelong side after five weeks absence through suspension and a broken right thumb. Playing with a moulded guard against North, his presence at the MCG (35,595) guided Geelong to their first century of the season and an important win over the out-front Kangas. Hocking had a blinding last term when he had 8 kicks (of his 23) and 6 handpasses (of 12). Together with LEIGH COLBERT, JOHN BARNES out of the middle and with PETER RICCARDI and DAVID MENSCH having plenty of the ball, it was Geelong's best performance of the season.

Though WAYNE CAREY was always dangerous, overall North were ragged, leading coach DENIS PAGAN to comment the Roos had "too few contributors when it mattered the most" — GEELONG 17.12-114 (Spinks 5, Stoneham 3) best, Hocking, Colbert, Riccardi, NORTH 13.13-91 (Carey 4) best, Carey, Blakey, Harvey.

STAB KICKS …
<> The experiment of AFL twilight matches with a Saturday 3.40pm bounce-down will conclude with the Round 11 Geelong v Carlton match at the MCG. No further twilight games will be programmed this season … <> BRETT LOVETT (Melbourne) retired on May 27 after 13 seasons and a senior service of 235 games from 1986 to Round 19 of 1997. Lovett suffered with a chronic pelvic injury … <> The lengthy period of preparation by full-forwards in taking their kick at goal came under review. Director of umpiring PETER SCHWAB said his charges would be watching: "I think we should be very conscious of how long they are actually taking" — in the Port-Pies game at Football Park, SCOTT CUMMINGS (PA) averaged 50 seconds for each of his five goals … <> Port runner DAVID ARNFIELD was fined $1000 for "coaching" in the match against Collingwood. AFL guidelines demand runners only deliver messages. This follows the fine of $2000 imposed upon Sydney for a similar offence in the same round … <> To avoid a clash with the VCE English examination, the date of the 1998 National Draft has been moved to Sunday November 1. The venue is expected to be Melbourne Park.

MONDAY's TRIBUNAL
JARMAN COPS THREE MATCHES
Adelaide's DARREN JARMAN was found guilty of striking SHANE WOEWODIN (Mel) when the AFL Tribunal sat on Monday (1st). Jarman was suspended for three matches and will miss crucial contests against the Western Bulldogs, Essendon and Collingwood.

The charge of striking Woewodin with a right forearm to the head made by field umpire MARK NASH was sustained. Chairman BRIAN COLLIS took the unusual step of commenting that the tribunal did not consider the offence overly serious. It is estimated the highly-paid Adelaide star will suffer a loss of up to $40,000 from his suspension. Jarman made his sixth appearance from the past seven years and adds to his one week suspension in 1995 as a Hawthorn player and two weeks in 1997 with Adelaide.

In other cases, DANNY DICKFOS (Bri) and JUSTIN MURPHY (Car) were each fined $1200 for wrestling, while ANTHONY FRANCHINA (Car) was cleared of striking ANDREW BEWS (Bri). Earlier, JARROD MOLLOY (Bri) had his charge of striking withdrawn, following a review of video evidence.

Results are awaited of investigations into a spitting incident said to involve a Western Bulldog player at the WACA on Friday night.

STAB KICKS …
<> The Homebush Stadium will remain at more than 100,000 seats after the 2000 Olympics Sydney's Daily Telegraph (2nd) noted "this issue will be discussed and will be on-going over the next 12-18 months." A capacity of up to 110,000 at Homebush would attract key events including rugby's Bledisloe Cup and maybe even the AFL grand final …
__________

<> Essendon members will vote on June 15 to support or reject the proposed move as an anchor-tenant at the new Docklands Stadium.
__________

<> Essendon estimates it will receive about $1.2 million in additional revenue each year by moving to Docklands. The Bombers would have control of up to 43,000 of the 54,000 Docklands seats on match day in their seven 'home' games. Four 'blockbuster' events would be played at the MCG. The club would also be housed regularly at the big-capacity MCG in many 'away' encounters.

TUESDAY's TRIBUNAL
BURNS AND BROWN GET TWO WEEKS
SCOTT BURNS (Col) and MICHAEL BROWN (Fre) were each suspended for two matches from separate incidents in the second quarter when their two clubs met at Victoria Park last Sunday.

Burns though pleading innocence was found guilty of striking CRAIG CALLAGHAN (Fre) while Brown was also found guilty of having struck ALEX McDONALD (Col).

STAB KICKS …
<> Channel Seven in Sydney have dumped the Sydney Swans from prime-time for the rest of the season … Last Saturday's SCG game on a one-hour delay to 8.30pm started with the lowest rating (251,000 viewers) of the four channels. As the margin blew out viewers left Seven faster than fans departing the SCG. By the finish, AFL footy had less than 100,000 viewers left.
__________

<> The Brisbane board sat in emergency for four hours on Wednesday (3rd) reviewing the status of coach John Northey who fronted the board and was asked to give reasons why he should be retained as coach … as recently as May 26, Brisbane chairman Noel Gordon stated that Northey would retain his job until the end of the season.
__________

<> The AFL ruled no action will be taken following allegations Bulldog midfielder NATHAN BROWN had spat into the crowd during the pre-match warm-up at the WACA last Friday night.

Bulldogs clear leaders at half-way
Dons dump Sydney by 10 goals
332,294 create new round record

ROUND 11 — Fri-Sat-Sun-Mon, June 5-6-7-8.
MILESTONES — Attendances for the Queen's Birthday holiday split round totalled 332,294 — a new League record for a single round. It tops the 329,369 for the Easter split round in 1997 ... 100 games were enjoyed by NICK DAFFY (Rch) and JAMES HIRD (Ess) ... 50 matches were celebrated by BRENDAN KRUMMEL (WCE, Fre, now Haw) ... the 100th AFL match was played at Football Park in Adelaide.

FROM THE ROUND
<> MCG crowds for the Friday night (62,866), Saturday (41,222) and Monday (58,369) totalled 162,457 … <> The Waverley Park attendance of 71,488 for the St Kilda-Richmond match on Monday was the 22nd occasion the 70,000 barrier has been broken at the venue since the opening on Saturday Apr 18 1970. The two games on the weekend drew almost 103,000 to Waverley … <> The 62,866 on Friday night was the second biggest crowd to watch an Essendon v Swans game. The record of 69,237 was set in the 21st round of 1996, also at the MCG. The red-and-white last defeated Essendon at the MCG in the 1923 Second Semi-Final … <> North kicked 19.12-126 to down the Magpies on Monday – the same score they kicked at Victoria Park in 1993 and the MCG in 1994 – three times from the past eight contests.

<> Round 11 was highlighted by a number of goals which will be shortlisted for Goal of the Week, or the season. At Subiaco on Sunday, 120-gamer ANDREW WILLS (Fre) in the opening 14 minutes took the ball just outside the defensive 50 then weaved and evaded with six bounces before slotting his 111th career goal. Equally as exciting was a mirrored effort by Melbourne's 20-year old JEFF FARMER whose third goal of the day in the first quarter at Waverley was a torpedo from 55 metres.

<||> Essendon boasting a formidable forward set-up of MATTHEW LLOYD, JAMES HIRD (his 100th), SCOTT LUCAS and STEVE ALESSIO were comprehensive winners of the Friday night MCG game which drew a big 62,866. The soft going after rain failed to deter the Bombers bursting away with a 50pt opening and they were never challenged by the Swans who have swiftly fallen into a hole.

As players return from injury, the Dons had strong contributors everywhere — Eastaugh, Berbakov, Calthorpe, O'Connor. Of Sydney, PAUL KELLY was one of the few Harboursiders who held his head high, with five goals from the forward flank — ESSENDON 24.16-160 (Lloyd 5, Lucas 4, Alessio 4, Hird 3) best, Hird, Lucas, Lloyd, Alessio, SYDNEY 15.10-100 best, Kelly, Saddington, Cresswell.

<||> The last twilight game was played in frequent rain on Saturday at the MCG to 41,222 fans. After a poor start to the season, Geelong swept to their fifth victory from their last six starts with a 17pts win over Carlton. The wet conditions and swirling wind made scoring difficult and in a familiar story for Carlton this season, Geelong got whatever easy goals there were to be had; Carlton always had to work hard for their rewards. Though they lost, the Blues rose from the dreaded bottom position. For the Cats, it was their third hard-fought MCG victory of recent weeks, after wins over North and the Dons.

LEIGH COLBERT played a blinder for the Cats with 36 possessions from the centre square and across half-back, while BRAD SHOLL, JOHN BARNES and BARRY STONEHAM were effective while MARTY McKINNON recalled from the Reserves came off the interchange bench to kick three last-term goals — GEELONG 12.8-80 (Stoneham 3, McKinnon 3) best, Colbert, Sholl, Mansfield, CARLTON 9.9-63 (Whitnall 3) best, Brown, Camporeale, Silvagni.

<||> Melbourne quickly erased the doubts on their ability to be a major contender for this year's finals when they put the Hawks away early with a seven goal to two opening in the Saturday game (31,365) at Waverley Park.

The strong Demon victory after successive losses without the injured TODD VINEY, DAVID NEITZ and GLEN LOVETT demands attention. JEFF WHITE's skill in the ruck and the dazzling JEFF FARMER led a smooth attack topped off by GARRY LYON (four goals). The Dees after starving Hawthorn's JASON DUNSTALL were out by nine goals at one stage, then settled back for a lazy 47pt win — MELBOURNE 18.9-117 (Farmer 4, Lyon 4, A.McDonald 3) best, Farmer, White, Lyon, HAWTHORN 10.10-70 (Holland 4) best, Holland, S.Crawford, Taylor.

<||> West Coast continued its steady march as they gained a two-point win over Port in a gritty Footy Park contest on Saturday night. The tense last quarter battle was highlighted by BEN COUSINS' (WCE) recovery after kicking into the man-on-the-mark to goal and when DARRYL POOLE's checkside kick for Port hit the goalpost with only seconds to play.

The wintry conditions for 28,284 fans gave them few moments to cheer in an error-filled first half by both sides. The Eagles improved after half-time but made no impact on the scoreboard, and it came down to a genuine slogging last term, which could have gone either way. If you had asked Port coach JOHN CAHILL why the Power had lost, he may have made the point that West Coast got 25 frees, Port 15 — WEST COAST 8.9-57 best, Cousins, Waterman, Metropolis, PORT 7.13-55 best, Morton, Francou, Lockwood.

<||> Sunshine and the manicured Subiaco surface provided a perfect setting yet just 17,452 turned out to watch Sunday's encounter. Just when it seemed things could not possibly get worse for Brisbane and John Northey, along came Fremantle.

Brad Elborough reported in The Age: "The result for the Lions of the 71-point defeat by the Dockers is bottom place on the AFL ladder, their inspirational captain Michael Voss sidelined for the rest of the year and added pressure on coach Northey. The 1996 Brownlow Medalist broke both the tibia and fibula bones in his right leg when spoiling the Dockers' Shane Parker in the dying minutes of the opening term".

Playing without spirit Brisbane was badly beaten, managing just 1.4 to the Dockers 11.10 after half-time, potentially placing Northey's head on the chopping block — FREMANTLE 17.19-121 (Callaghan 3) best, Dodd, Jones, Sinclair, BRISBANE 7.8-50 (C.Scott 3) best, Hart, A.Lynch, T.Lynch.

<||> Cold, but clear conditions welcomed 21,165 to Carlton on Sunday. For the second week in a row, the Western Bulldogs were in supreme first quarter form kicking eight-straight. Then, in what is becoming a trend, Adelaide fought back to be only two points down at half-time.

Ashley Browne reviewing the match in The Age noted the Dogs were made of stern stuff. "What was a two-point ball game became a 67-point blowout. Kicking to the scoring end in the third term, Wallace's men added six goals to one to give themselves a 35-point buffer for what was expected to be a grandstand finish. But kicking to the graveyard that was the Heatley Stand end in the final quarter, the Bulldogs rattled on another seven goals to two. The Demons had been slain, and the football world had again been put on notice". Class had again won the day for the Westerners. At the half-way mark the Dogs lead the table on 9+2, one game clear of St Kilda — WESTERN BULLDOGS 24.11-155 (Kolyniuk 5, Johnson 4) best, Kolyniuk, Romero, Johnson, ADELAIDE 13.10-88 (Vardy 5) best, Koster, Vardy, Rehn.

<||> The Magpies carried all before them in the opening quarter of their Queen's Birthday Monday contest against North at the MCG. A threatening forecast still brought 58,369 to the G and the black-and-white army were on their feet cheering. They however overlooked the star power which North were still to expose. A blinding 8.2 in the second set the Kangas on their way. In the end it was WAYNE CAREY and WINSTON ABRAHAM who extinguished the Magpie hopes. Three telling goals late in the third term off the boot of Carey extended North's lead to 24pts.

King Carey was at his rampant best with 11 marks, 20 touches and four goals — it was a powerful display, as were the silky skills exhibited by Abraham, a very cool pick up from Fremantle.

The 29-point defeat did not please Collingwood coach TONY SHAW who said: "Players are getting good money to play as forwards and when you miss goals from 25m out directly in front, it just kills the players up the ground". Get set for the axe — NORTH MELB 19.12-126 (Carey 4, Crocker 3, Harvey 3) best, Carey, Abraham, King, COLLINGWOOD 13.19-97 (S.Rocca 4, Watson 4) best, Richardson, Crosisca, Watson.

<||> Richmond had a powerhouse opening before a huge Waverley attendance of 71,488 on the Queen's Birthday Monday, kicking the biggest first term of the season of 8.6-54 with MATTHEW RICHARDSON booting four goals.

St Kilda though trailing by 34pts showed no panic and in workmanlike style set out to retrieve the situation. Their intensity and passion increased and they steadily reduced the margin to just 11pts by half-time. The departure of BRENDAN GALE (Rch) with a corked thigh at half-time opened the way for PETER EVERITT (StK) to take over. The Saints flexed their muscles from the small three-point deficit at the last break and hit the lead for the first time eight minutes into the final term. St Kilda overwhelmed the Tigers and won running away by 27pts and take over second place on the ladder, a game behind the Bulldogs — ST KILDA 21.11-137 (Burke 3, Everitt 3, Heatley 3) best, Burke, Harvey, Young, RICHMOND 16.14-110 (Richardson 4) best, Campbell, Knights, Rogers.

Wednesday’s Tribunal
THREE HANDED PENALTIES
Geelong full-back BEN GRAHAM charged in Saturday's game against Carlton was joined by JEFF FARMER (Mel) and DARRYL POOLE (PA) at the Tribunal on Wednesday (10th). Farmer and Poole were cited following the video reviews of Round 11 matches.

Graham was found guilty of disputing an umpire's decision and escaped suspension but was fined $1500.

Farmer, who may have kicked the goal of the year against Hawthorn on Saturday, pleaded to not guilty to having hit SHANE CRAWFORD (Haw) with a round arm motion. The Melbourne midfield wizard was found guilty of striking Crawford and suspended for three matches. The severe sentence would have taken into account a 1997 two-week suspension for striking and a 1995 indiscretion for making an insulting gesture.

A guilty plea from Port's DARRYL POOLE saved him from a harsh penalty. He was suspended two matches for striking PETER MATERA (WCE) with a fist to the body during the first quarter of Saturday night's game at Footy Park.

STAB KICKS …
<> The Queen's Birthday Monday match at the MCG brought to light the subject of colour clashes of guerney's. Collingwood and North wearing similar vertical stripes caused GAVIN BROWN the Magpie captain to handball to an opponent which resulted in a goal for the Roos. Brown admitted after the game his second quarter handpass was a case of mistaken identity. A close review to introducing alternate strips will be undertaken by the League, according to ops manager IAN COLLINS.
__________

<> In an AFL revamp, TONY PEEK becomes corporate affairs and communications manager, focussing on strategic planning of League operations. JENNY COOKE becomes media relations manager while ROBYN BALME from the SANFL is the new public relations manager.

Saints outclass Collingwood
Swans & Demons in horror slide
Lockett kicks 50 for 13th time

ROUND 12 — Fri-Sat-Sun, June 12-13-14.
MILESTONES — The 700th League match was played at Waverley Park when Collingwood met St Kilda on Sunday … MARK MERCURI (Ess) reached game 100 … 50 matches for MATTHEW PRIMUS (Fit, now PA), WINSTON ABRAHAM (Fre, now NM), BEN COUSINS (WCE), and BRAD WIRA (Fre, now WB).

FROM THE ROUND
ST KILDA won their fifth successive encounter against Collingwood – the greatest run by the Saints in 190 contests since 1897 … <> Geelong kicked 27 goals without answer from Melbourne — true!. In their previous meeting in 1997s eighth round the Cats kicked the last 12 goals to win by 79pts. Last Saturday Geelong kicked the first 15 goals of the MCG game, going on to a 95pt victory — and in so doing recorded 27 unanswered goals against the Demons. It was also Geelong's seventh consecutive win against Melbourne since 1994 and in the last four contests have contained the Redlegs to scores of 56pts or less.
<> TONY LOCKETT (Syd) with his third goal on Saturday reached 50 goals in a season for the 13th occasion. It equalled the achievement of Collingwood legend GORDON COVENTRY. Others in the record category of 50 Goals in a Season are — JASON DUNSTALL (Haw) 11 times, while STEPHEN KERNAHAN (Car) and JACK TITUS (Rch) each did so 10 times.

<||> West Coast wrapped up their fifth successive victory when they overcame a gritty Hawthorn outfit on Friday night at the WACA in front of 27,112 fans. It was mostly fine apart from brief drizzle near the end of the first quarter. The Eagles went into the game without GLEN JAKOVICH and DEAN KEMP then lost GUY McKENNA with a shoulder injury only seven minutes after the start.

The Hawks started brightly and gained the early break then the Eagles steadied and for the balance of the contest it was always close. BEN DIXON with six goals filled the breach left by JASON DUNSTALL when the star-forward was well-held by ASHLEY McINTOSH. The Eagles gained great drive from the influence of FRASER GEHRIG (5 goals) while MICHAEL GARDINER did well in the ruck against the Hawk veteran PAUL SALMON — WEST COAST 19.9-123 (Gehrig 5, Heady 3) best, McIntosh, Braun, Heady, HAWTHORN 17.6-108 (Dixon 6) best, Dixon, Crawford, Graham. Though the Hawks entertained on Friday night, by the end of the round they were back to bottom place.

<||> Carlton's season took on a brighter note when they were confident winners at home (23,226) on Saturday over the struggling Sydney outfit. The Coathangers lost PAUL ROOS (jarred knee) in the first term then JASON MOONEY (groin) soon after, but neither would have changed the course of history.

Carlton deep into the third term went out to a five-goal lead and though Sydney came back in spite of several terrible errors, the Blues held on to win running away. BRAD PEARCE with five goals eclipsed the returning ANDREW DUNKLEY while MATTHEW ALLEN with 34 hit-outs enjoyed ruck dominance over a flagging GREG STAFFORD — CARLTON 14.16-100 (Pearce 5, Hamill 4) best, Hamill, Allan, Manton, SYDNEY 11.8-74 (Luff 3, Lockett 3) best, Cresswell, Nicks, O'Loughlin.

<||> Melbourne's first goal of the game didn't come until GARRY LYON booted one 28½ minutes into the second term and by then the 41,567 on Saturday at the MCG had seen Geelong play an almost perfect half of football. Winning their sixth from the past seven outings, Geelong produced 22 goals from 10 scorers, lifting their percentage from 92 to 102 with a 95pt victory and boosted themselves from ninth to fifth place.

A foot injury and a report for JAMIE SHANAHAN (and a later two-week suspension) plus the prospect of losing DAVID SCHWARZ for three weeks with a hamstring added to the woes of Melbourne. Geelong also suffered when BEN GRAHAM was thought to have broken his right arm after colliding with teammate TIM McGRATH in the final quarter — GEELONG 22.9-141 (Spinks 4, Snell 4) best, Hocking, Sholl, Colbert, MELBOURNE 7.4-46 best, Lyon, Yze, Smoker.

On Monday, BEN GRAHAM underwent surgery to repair ruptured tendons and ligaments near his elbow — he is expected to miss the balance of the season.

<||> Essendon after four successive wins were hot favourites to destroy the myth they can't win at Footy Park. The big 40,700 crowd on Saturday night were given a treat and a heart-pumping finish on a crisp but fine winter's night. Against all odds and with many of their stars sitting on the sidelines, Adelaide won through in a thrilling last quarter for a two-point victory.

It was obvious both clubs were playing for high stakes. The game was highlighted for different reasons — big games for the Crows which MATTHEW ROBRAN and MARK RICCIUTO delivered; the return of MICHAEL LONG for Essendon after his second knee reconstruction and kicking three goals; plus the loss of the exciting forward MICHAEL PRIOR (Ess) with a left knee injury in the first term. ADELAIDE 15.18-108 (Robran 3, Vardy 3) best, Robran, Thiessen, James, ESSENDON 15.16-106 (Long 3) best, Calthorpe, Olarenshaw, Caracella.

<||> It was overcast but fine on Sunday for the reduced-capacity Gabba as work on new grandstands allowed in only 15,924. Following their traumatic week the Lions came back from a 26pt deficit with only 10 minutes left in the game. Critical errors and a whole lot of passion gave Brisbane only a draw, but it was a mind-shattering defeat for Port, despite the two premiership points.

It was a tight match throughout, with both sides sharing the lead. Port went into the last term ahead by seven points and after kicking four goals in the first 14 minutes appeared certain of victory. Brisbane fought back from 26pts down and with only seconds remaining signs that the Port defence was flagging were confirmed when 18-year-old STUART DEW with a terrible kick-out found the arms of the Lion's SHAUN HART who kicked straight to level the scores. It was the first time since 1944-45 that two teams had drawn at consecutive meetings — BRISBANE 18.15-123 (Johnson 3, Hart 3) best, Lawrence, C.Scott, Hart, PORT ADELAIDE 18.15-123 (Morton 4, Cummins 3) best, Primus (his 50th), Dickie, Morton.

<||> Chilly, but a great winter's day with sunshine brought another big 50,578 to Waverley on Sunday. They saw St Kilda continue their steady march as leading contenders when they outclassed Collingwood for a convincing 35pt success. The Pies blew away their chances with an inaccurate 2.11 in the first half when they were always harassed by a the swath of a great St Kilda defence brilliantly led by DARRYL WAKELIN. The Pies did better in the last term, but by then it didn't matter.

PETER EVERITT maintained his prominence as the lynch-pin around the ground for the Saints, winning the ruck and always following with neat pick-ups and direct passes, gaining 20 kicks and 26 handpasses for the match. STEWART LOEWE returned from injury with five goals while others who the Woods could not contain were ROBERT HARVEY (33 touches), NATHAN BURKE (28) while full-forward HEATLEY enjoyed a return to form with four goals — ST KILDA 17.15-117 (Loewe 5, Heatley 4) best, Everitt, Heatley, Harvey, C’WOOD 11.16-82 (Watson 5) best, Buckley, Watson, Godden.

<||> Richmond kept a tight grip on the North's major playmakers in the Sunday MCG contest played in good conditions to an attendance of 43,497. The Tigers showed the way in a match where the Kangas were expected to grasp a big opportunity to cement themselves as one of the major forces.

North's lack of speed in the midfield was again exposed as their Tiger opponents MATTHEW KNIGHTS, NICK DAFFY, PAUL BRODERICK and MATTHEW ROGERS were clearly on top. Richmond were also provided with great service from DARREN GASPAR who restricted North's 'King' WAYNE CAREY to only 12 touches, while WAYNE CAMPBELL contained the Roos' prolific on-baller ANTHONY STEVENS.

The Tigers joined a group of six including North on 7+5 — with the thought that Richmond can only get better, while the Kangas are still trying to find their way back to the path — RICHMOND 19.13-127 (Richardson 4, Powell 3, Broderick 3) best, Daffy, Rogers, Gaspar, NORTH MELB 14.8-92 (Carey 3) best, Harvey, Grant, Blakey.

<||> The Western Bulldogs controlled most of the Sunday game at Carlton (16,487) against a willing and honest team of Dockers — but in the long haul, the Dogs were the masters. Until half-time, Freo were in with a chance but the Tricolours though fading in the last quarter were clear victors.

The competition leaders received top contributions from SCOTT WEST (33 possessions) and dual forwards ROHAN SMITH and PAUL HUDSON. Innovative Bulldogs coach TERRY WALLACE departed from the norm and called on former captain Footscray captain STEVE WALLIS to prepare the team for Sunday's match. Wallis had charge of training on Wednesday and Friday's sessions and sat in the coach's box on gameday — the team delivered for the 261-gamer. WESTERN BULLDOGS 18.14-122 (Smith 5, Grant 3, Hudson 3) best, Croft, Grant, Romero, FREMANTLE 15.6-96 (Clement 3) best, O'Reilly, Gale, Sinclair.

STAB KICKS …
<> Essendon members voted in support of the club's decision to play seven "home" matches at the new Docklands Stadium from the year 2000.

A sometimes rowdy meeting held at the Moonee Valley racecourse reception facility on Monday night (15th) drew 1800 people.

Final voting resulted in 4048 for, with 1076 against the proposal for Essendon to become the anchor-tenant at Docklands. Approval required only a 40% majority of members.
__________

<> AFL chief WAYNE JACKSON told a National Press Club luncheon in Hobart last Wednesday (10th) that Tasmania must have a new stadium and a single football commission before the AFL will consider holding pre-season or regular League matches there.

Monday’s Tribunal
SHANAHAN & CHISHOLM RECEIVE TWO WEEKS
Monday's sitting of the AFL Tribunal suspended both Melbourne's JAMIE SHANAHAN and Fremantle's SCOTT CHISHOLM for two weeks.

Shanahan was found guilty of striking Geelong full-forward BRETT SPINKS with a fist to the head in the final quarter of Saturday's match at the MCG.

From the Sunday game played at Carlton, the Dockers' SCOTT CHISHOLM after pleading not guilty was found to have struck Western Bulldog CHRIS GRANT with an arm to the head.

FRASER BROWN (Car) was fined $1500 and PETER FILANDIA (Syd) $1200 when they were found guilty of wrestling one another in the final quarter of Saturday's game at Carlton.

FINAL MEMBER FIGURES
Final membership figures for the 1998 season were published by the Herald Sun —

Tuesday’s Tribunal
WAYNE CAMPBELL GETS ONE WEEK FOR TRIPPING
HEFTY FINE FOR BROWN
Key Richmond midfielder WAYNE CAMPBELL received a one-match suspension when found guilty of a tripping charge.

Campbell fronted the Tribunal on Tuesday (16th) on a video charge of having tripped North's DAVID KING.

Carlton's FRASER BROWN was found guilty of wrestling Sydney's TROY COOK and fined a further $1200. Brown the previous night had been fined $1500 for wrestling PETER FILANDIA (Syd). Both actions came during the Carlton-Sydney game on Saturday.

Fremantle BRODIE HOLLAND was cleared of a charge of kneeing JOE ROMERO (WB) from Sunday's match at Carlton.

STAB KICKS …
<> Charges for tickets for the 1998 final series were announced. Seats for the Grand Final will be $75, a rise of $5 from 1997 with concessions jumping to $40 (a $3 increase). Tickets for the Preliminary Final will cost each adult $45 ($42 last year) and concessions $24 ($22). Tickets for the Qualifying and Semi-Finals will be $26 (a $1 rise) with concessions at $15.
__________

<> Channel Seven called the Richmond-North game on Sunday from their South Melbourne studios. Seven's regular MCG box was allocated to Optus Vision which had exclusive rights to the game and the footy network rejected the offered alternative for their commentators SANDY ROBERTS and IAN ROBERTSON.
__________

<> An AFL Legend of the Game has become a victim of the downturn in the Asian economy. "Polly" Farmer has been forced to quit his Southway Auto Lodge in Perth with losses of almost $600,000. Now 63, Farmer is broke, homeless and living with with his children. Former Geelong teammates JOHN WATTS and BOB DAVIS have formed a committee to raise money for Farmer. The star of VFL and WAFL football in 356 senior games spanning 1953 to 1971 recently had the $400 million northern city bypass tunnel project in Perth named after him, the Graham Farmer Freeway.

A round of major upsets
Saints rise to equal leadership
Jason Dunstall reaches 1250 goals

ROUND 13 — Fri-Sat-Sun, June 19-20-21.
MILESTONES — GLEN JAKOVICH (WCE) and STEVEN KOLYNIUK (Fsc-WB) played their 150th games … MATTHEW CLARKE (Bri) and SHAYNE BREUER (Gee, now PA) their 100th … MARTIN McKINNON (Ade, now Gee) his 50th.

STEPHEN SILVAGNI (1985-98) played his 240th senior game for Carlton — one more than his father SERGIO recorded with the Blues (1958-71) … NATHAN BUCKLEY played his 100th match for the Pies … 50 games were achieved by PAUL SALMON with Hawthorn, DEAN RICE with Carlton and BRAD WIRA with Footscray-Bulldogs …

FROM THE ROUND
<> JASON DUNSTALL (Haw) passed 50 goals in a season for the 12th time in his career spanning 267 matches and 1250 goals since 1985.

<> In a weekend of upsets, for the first time since Port Adelaide entered in 1997 all six non-Victorian sides recorded victories in the same round. At the other end of the scale, the Western Bulldogs suffered their third interstate defeat of the year when they lost to Port.

<> Adelaide defeated Collingwood in Melbourne for the first time in their 12th meeting … Hawthorn defeated North for the first time since 1993, following nine consecutive losses …

<> Friday night at the G produced the best of the round by far for 45,277 fans. Essendon captain JAMES HIRD lasted only the first 90-seconds of the game when he again tore his left hamstring from a marking contest.

<||> In the cold but fine conditions, PETER MATERA (WCE) starting from the bench reproduced the brilliance he displayed in the Coasters earlier premiership seasons kicking 7.3 for the night and providing the Eagles with the difference for them to win their sixth consecutive match.

But overall, it took a lot more hard work elsewhere for the Eagles to survive. The Dons had many hard-workers in Calthorpe, Hardwick and Barnard, while Wellman was in control of Gehrig, and first-gamer JUDD LALICH (Ess) gave GLEN JAKOVICH (150th game) a heap of worries. From level-pegging at half-time, the second half was a see-sawing affair as BEN COUSINS, ASHLEY McINTOSH and CHRIS WATERMAN as well as Matera emerged with great efforts. The contest thrillingly went down to the wire and not until the closing moments did the Eagles clinch it through a JASON BALL goal — WEST COAST 11.17-83 (Peter Matera 7.3) best, Peter Matera, Cousins, Kemp, ESSENDON 11.6-72 best, Mercuri, Lucas, Berbakov.

<||> Adelaide defeated Collingwood in Melbourne for the first time in eight attempts when they met on Saturday at the MCG — 34,630 attended. The Magpies went in with one-third of their line-up changed, attempting to turn their losing streak around. The game became a slogging, scrappy affair in the cold swirling wind with the Crows enjoying their early breaks chiefly from TROY BOND who proved an elusive first-half goalsneak with four majors.

Collingwood tried hard and got to within four points early in the last quarter but couldn't break through the tight Adelaide defence where NIGEL SMART was prominent, turning back many strong attacks. It was Bond again who provided the sealer for the Crows when close to the final siren he launched himself at an incoming ball, marking on his chest and kicking his fifth for the day — ADELAIDE 11.13-79 (Bond 5) best, Smart, McLeod, Bond, COLLINGWOOD 10.10-70 best, Buckley, Burns, S.Rocca.

<||> Brisbane threw off its easy-beat tag when they grasped the game at Kardinia Park by the scruff of the neck on Saturday afternoon (21,833) and caused one of the major upsets of the season when they comprehensibly defeated the strongly-favoured Geelong. It was a Brisbane performance full of pride for the Lions now coached by ROGER MERRETT.

Stephen Rielly in The Age reported: SHAUN HART and CRAIG McRAE were outstanding in the early going, attacking the football as Merrett promised his players would. McRae, like JUSTIN LEPPITSCH at full-forward ..."

"Inexplicably, Geelong's loss was the third this season at Kardinia Park. Not so difficult to understand were the reasons for Brisbane's victory – Geelong coach GARY AYRES mused later, 'quite frankly, it looked they were the side out there striving for the finals ..." — GEELONG 15.16-106 (Leppitsch 4) best, Leppitsch, Hart, A.Lynch, GEELONG 12.8-80 (Burns 3) best, Hocking, Mensch, Barnes.

<||> Wind-swept Waverley catered for 23,845 hardy souls on Saturday afternoon as Hawthorn burst through to win their first game against North since 1993, and a run of nine successive failures. After a series of set-backs when victory was often within their grasp the win provided a great tonic in an otherwise forgettable season for the Hawks.

PAUL SALMON (Haw) effectively beat North's COREY McKERNAN in ruck contests but it was the steel which Hawthorn displayed which captured the spotlight. SHANE CRAWFORD continued his range of good performances, well-supported by NICK HOLLAND.

The narrow defeat handed the Kangas their third straight loss and the game plan devised by former Roo PETER GERMAN (now Hawthorn's Reserves coach) ended Hawthorn's five-year losing streak, HAWTHORN 17.12-114 (Holland 4, Lord 4, Dunstall 3) best, Salmon, Holland, Lord, NORTH MELB 17.10-112 (Carey 4, McKernan 4, Roberts 3) best, Carey, Archer, Roberts.

<||> Rain from the day eased during the first quarter of Saturday night's clash at Football Park (28,746). The game resulted in Port winning their first game for five weeks when in uncharacteristic fashion the League leaders the Western Bulldogs crumbled to kick the season's lowest score of 5.9.

Port after a narrow loss to the Eagles (57-55), then the draw with Brisbane played good old-fashioned football and a fighting victory typical of the tradition of their 128-year history. Port's pressure game never allowed the Bulldogs any freedom to develop their damaging run. In contrast using a tall-forward line-up, Port got the ball down first from wingman DONALD DICKIE, midfielder JOSH FRANCOU, the diminutive (175cm) DANNY MORTON and classy rookie NICK STEVENS. Port gained top efforts from ruckman MATTHEW PRIMUS (his first since May 7), DARREN MEAD, ADAM KINGSLEY and STUART DEW. For the Bulldogs it was a night of horrors while for Port their hopes for a place in the finals is well-alive — PORT ADELAIDE 11.7-73 (Cummings 3, Dickie 3) best, Dickie, Breuer (his 100th), Wanganeen, BULLDOGS 5.9-39 best, Kretiuk, Wynd, Romero.

<||> St Kilda in spite of pouring rain cruised to an effortless 85pt win over a disappointing Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday for a crowd of 35,055. For a second week (95pt loss to Geelong in R12) the Demons returned to their old ways and were outclassed in all departments.

As noted in The Age: "Injuries and suspensions to experienced players such as David Schwarz, David Neitz, Jamie Shanahan, Glenn Lovett and Stephen Tingay have robbed the Demons not only of their own talents, but increased the pressure on the younger heads in the side to the point that the youthful zest Melbourne had in abundance early in the season is looking tired and sore now". Jim Stynes (Mel) playing his 254th game on Sunday injured the medial ligament of his left knee. An examination on Monday indicated Stynes may be sidelined for up to six weeks.

The Saints welcomed the return to form by forward JASON HEATLEY and all-round received a great effort led by PETER EVERITT, NATHAN BURKE and ANDREW THOMPSON — ST KILDA 19.13-127 (Heatley 5) best, Everitt, Burke, A.Thompson, MELBOURNE 5.12-42 best, Yze, Leoncelli, Smoker.

<||> From Sunday's opening bounce at the SCG, Sydney threw off the shackles of terrible recent performances with dedicated passion in tackling and delivery at a rate which stunned the Tigers.

Mark Ray in The Sydney Morning Herald reported BRETT O'FARRELL enjoyed a great debut for the Swans: "The 20-year-old from East Sandringham, preferred to Stefan Carey as Greg Stafford's replacement in the ruck, won his duel with Brendon Gale there and showed good skills across the forward line. He kicked two goals (one with his first kick in AFL footy), took eight marks and then topped off a big day by being concussed in a collision with Paul Bulluss that had him stretchered off the ground in the last quarter. The somewhat disappointing crowd of 28,445 gave O'Farrell a rousing roar, so rousing that he emerged from treatment downstairs to watch the final minutes from the interchange bench. TROY LUFF was again superb, calm and solid in his defensive play and constructive in his passing towards the centre of the ground".

Mid-way into the second term after the lead had changed five times, the Harboursiders went out to lead by 15pts at half-time, and were never seriously threatened thereafter. PAUL KELLY was again inspirational for the Swans, with a sigh of relief they may had turned a corner, SYDNEY 16.6-106 (Kelly 4, Lockett 4) best Nicks, Luff, Warfe, RICHMOND 13.13-19 (Richardson 5) best, Daffy, Broderick, Powell.

<||> Freo and the Blues fought out a scrappy encounter to a small 23,899 fans at Subiaco on Sunday. The match never reached a standard expected of the AFL with many skills errors though a tricky wind did play a part in many of these.

The down-on-form Freo captain PETER MANN produced two efforts which inspired the Dockers — a goal from from the boundary in the second term, then another at a critical point of the last quarter which regained the lead for his side. Carlton earlier had found both BRAD PEARCE and LANCE WHITNALL useful forwards but Fremantle just had enough to sneak over the line in what was realistically a forgettable game, and one which STEPHEN SILVAGNI in a notable 240th appearance kicked out on the full in the dying minutes from which the Dockers goaled to seal the match — FREMANTLE 10.16-76 best, Mann, O'Reilly, Dodd, CARLTON 10.8-68 (Whitnall 3) best, Manton, McKay, Allan. The loss returned Carlton to bottom place on the ladder.

STAB KICKS …
<> Two high-profile footballers received reminders of their worth from two journalists last week. Dermott Brereton in The Age and John Townsend in The West Australian respectively questioned the value Essendon's JAMES HIRD and West Coast's PETER MATERA. Hird lasted barely 90 seconds in Friday's game before retiring with a recurrence of a hamstring injury. In the same game, the Eagles' Matera coming off the bench (replacing his injured brother Phillip) and responded to the spray with a personal-best of 7.3 against the Bombers.
__________

<> Adelaide's TONY MODRA will be back to full training this week. Injured in 1997s First Preliminary Final, Modra's return game could be in Round 17 on Friday July 24 versus Freo at Subiaco.
__________

<> MICHAEL VOSS on long-term recovery of his broken right leg is now coaching the Lions Cubs in the QSFL competition. At 22, it is understood Voss is the youngest coach to head a QSFL (or a QAFL) side. The vacancy was left by the upgrading of ROGER MERRETT to the senior Brisbane post.

Monday’s Tribunal
SWANS' CAREY SUSPENDED – BOMBER FINED
The AFL Tribunal on Monday (22nd) handed a two-match suspension to Sydney ruckman STEFAN CAREY and a $1200 fine to Essendon's DAMIEN HARDWICK.
Carey was found guilty of striking PAUL BULLUSS (Rch) with a fist to the head in Sunday's game at the SCG. Carey's suspension of two matches was the first of his 29-game AFL career. He will miss contests against Adelaide and Fremantle.
North Melbourne on-baller ANTHONY STEVENS pleaded not guilty to the charge of striking RAYDEN TALLIS (Haw). The Tribunal found the charge not sustained. In wrestling charges, SHANNON GRANT (NM) and CRAIG TRELEVEN (Haw) were cleared, while from the Friday night game MICHAEL BRAUN (WCE) was cleared of wrestling DAMIEN HARDWICK (Ess). Hardwick however pleaded guilty to wrestling Braun and was fined $1200.

3AW STILL LEAD IN RADIO RATINGS
Rex Hunt and the 3AW team held a solid lead over their three rivals when radio ratings for the Melbourne market were released on Tuesday.

STAB KICKS …
<> Directors of the nine SANFL clubs on Monday (22nd) adopted a SA Football Commission recommendation to pay the first $1 million of the AFL license fee on behalf of the Port Adelaide club. The decision is in keeping with the concession made to the Adelaide club after their formation in 1991.

The $3 million balance of Port's licence fee to the AFL is due in five annual payments of $600,000 from October 1999 until 2003. The Adelaide club will complete its licence fee schedule with $600,000 being paid in the next two years.

Eighty percent of the profits derived from the AFL operations of Adelaide and Port flow back to the SANFL clubs.

OBITUARY
FOOTSCRAY IDENTITIES PASS
<> JOE KELLY, the man who coached Footscray to their first VFL final passed away on June 17 at the age of 91.

Joe played 137 games as a wingman with Carlton between 1926 and 1934 and is listed among their 100 greatest players. He later coached Footscray for three seasons and in his first year took the Bulldogs to third place and the 1938 First Semi-Final in which they lost to Collingwood.

Kelly also coached South Melbourne in 1941-42-43-44 during which the Swans made it to the preliminary final in 1942. At the 1956 Olympic Games held in Melbourne, Joe proudly coached an Amateur squad in an exhibition game of our Australian game to the world.
__________

<> CLARRIE SHIELDS, who was a selector of Footscray's only premiership side in 1954 passed on last Sunday while holidaying on the Gold Coast, aged 84.
Shields played with Footscray, Collingwood, Camberwell and St Kilda. He accumulated 46 senior League games between 1935 and 1943 and captained Collingwood Reserves for more than 100 games.

St Kilda go to the top
Six clubs in equal third place
Jason Dunstall breaks a collarbone

ROUND 14 — Fri-Sat-Sun, June 26-27-28.
MILESTONES — DAVID KING (NM) played his 100th senior game ... 50 AFL matches were celebrated by TYSON EDWARDS (Ade), MATTHEW LLOYD (Ess), SCOTT LUCAS (Ess), GAVIN MITCHELL (Fre, now StK) and CRAIG TRELEVEN (Haw).

FROM THE ROUND
<> MELBOURNE won their first game in Perth since 1990. The Sunday win at Subiaco also ended eight successive failures against the Eagles since 1994  … the attendance of 35,238 was the second-biggest crowd to see the Demons in WA, vying with the 35,623 of 1990 at Subi … <> RICHMOND enjoyed a host of new records in their Saturday meeting at the MCG against Fremantle in a 90pt victory. The previous best winning margins by the Tigers were, 5, 5 and 7 points … <> FREMANTLE's 90pt loss to Richmond was their third-heaviest defeat in the AFL. The Dockers lost to Collingwood by 100, 97-R15-VP — to Adelaide by 96pts, 96-R7-FP — and again to Adelaide by 93pts, 97-R2-FP.

<> COLLINGWOOD completed June without a win — the Magpies have not won a game in the month of June during the tenure of present coach TONY SHAW in 1996, 1997 or 1998.

<||> Following two successive failures North bounced back on Friday night at the MCG (48,618) when they returned to their efficient best and lead most of the match to be 18pt victors over a mistake-ridden Essendon side. It was North's fourth win from the past five meetings with the Dons.

North at one stage stretched out to a 40pt margin and while the two 50-gamers MATTHEW LLOYD and SCOTT LUCAS battled gamely for the Bombers, the Roos made more effective use of the ball and were deserved winners — NORTH MELB 19.13-127 (Harvey 5,) best, King, Harvey, Archer, ESSENDON 16.13-109 (Lucas 4, Lloyd 4) best, Alessio, Calthorpe, Mercuri.

<||> By the second quarter, Hawthorn were confident leaders by six goals over the Blues at Carlton (25,529) on Saturday — Dunstall had kicked 1.1 when from a contest at the ball he went to ground and Carlton full-back Silvagni fell across him. The Hawks champion and captain suffered a broken right collarbone in his 268th match in which he has kicked 1252 goals – 47 goals short of the Gordon Coventry record. Dunstall turns 34 in August.

Whether Dunstall's loss from the contest had a psychological effort on his teammates may carry little weight, but as so often happened in games this season, the Hawks stuttered and allowed Carlton to dominate the last half. The Blues lifted their workrate and delivered crisply to forward BRAD PEARCE who returned another good haul of 6.4. Carlton and the Hawks swapped places, with Hawthorn returning to the bottom and facing their first wooden-spoon since 1965 – CARLTON 13.14-92 (Pearce 6.4, Whitnall 3) best, Bradley, Ratten, Pearce, HAWTHORN 11.10-76 (Holland 3) best, Kappler, Krummel, McCabe.

<||> Richmond maintained their grasp on a place in the top eight with a thorough 90pt victory over Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday afternoon to a crowd of 25,723. The aerial dominance of Richmond's forward brigade set the Tigers up from the start when MATTHEW RICHARDSON kicked three majors in the first 15 minutes.

The boost to Richmond's percentage cannot be overestimated (they rose from 100.4 to 107.9) and with six of their remaining games scheduled for the G. The future for the Tigers looks rosy — but for the Dockers, without changes to their culture and ability they will remain the AFL's problem child — RICHMOND 23.7-145 (Richardson 7.1, Plapp 3, Holland 3, Ryan 3) best, Daffy, Richardson, Knights, FREMANTLE 8.7-55 best, O'Reilly, Holland, Bond.

<||> Tight, tough and close – good, but not great, was how 49,706 saw the Waverley clash on Saturday. Billed as a "grand final preview" the Saints and Bulldogs gave as good as they took with the result coming down to a tense conclusion and only a 15pt margin.

The swirling Waverley breeze brought an early advantage to St Kilda and the outcome may have been achieved in the second term when with great grit they held the defiant Bulldogs at bay. Though the Dogs had a mortgage on possession in the run home, although the Westerners crept to within eight points, it may have been a critical decision when Dog-forward JAMES COOK within scoring distance was forced to turn-over the ball after teammate TODD CURLEY bumped Saint defender MAX HUDGHTON to the ground — it became a clearing kick, not a shot at goal.

As JAKE NIALL reported in The Age – The Saints did not play well in that last quarter but, importantly they kept their nerve ..." – ST KILDA 12.15-87 (Everitt 3) best, Loewe, Harvey, Winmar, BULLDOGS 10.12-72 (Cook 3) best, Grant, Kretiuk, Garlick.

The win took St Kilda to the head of the ladder by one game on 11+3 — the Tribunal hearing on the charge against PETER EVERITT is another game in itself.

<||> Rain and wind on a cold Saturday night at Footy Park (32,431) prevented either Port or the Cats turning on a spectacle – but it was tight throughout with both sharing the lead in the last quarter with Port only gaining a break in the closing minutes. They maintained Geelong's failure to win a match at Football Park against either the Crows or the Power.

Port won the game by employing similar tactics which brought their win the previous week over the Bulldogs – a direct route to goal. The home side were treated to big games from NATHAN EAGLETON, DONALD DICKIE, ADAM KINGSLEY, WARREN TREDREA and the returning DAVID BROWN. The Cats from the 37 players they have used in the first 14 rounds would take heart as several youngsters continue to emerge – JAMES RAHILLY, CLINT BIZZELL and CAM ROBERTS — PORT ADELAIDE 13.13-91 (Tredrea 3) best, Stevens, Wanganeen, Primus, GEELONG 10.13-73 (Burns 4) best, Sholl, Hocking, Burns.

<||> Caretaker coach ROGER MERRETT continued the improvement rate of his new charges when Brisbane produced a cracking 52pt victory over Collingwood at the BCG (17,275) on Sunday afternoon. The Magpies from the mid-week club turmoil were the early front-runners but were enveloped by a determined Brisbane attack in the second term when DARYL WHITE added three of his four goals.

NATHAN BUCKLEY was Collingwood's best as usual and in spite of close attention from BRAD SCOTT, the Pie leader obtained 31 possessions. Though the Woods came back early in the third, Brisbane went on to overrun Collingwood for a blowout win, delivering the ninth loss of the season for the Pies, with hopes for the finals all but a memory — BRISBANE 19.21-135 (White 4, Leppitsch 3) best, Lappin, Akermanis, Ashcroft, COLLINGWOOD 12.11-83 (Buckley 4, S.Rocca 4) best, Buckley, Williams, Russell.

<||> Fine, cool conditions on Sunday at the SCG (30,735) gave the reigning premiers the opportunity to emphasise their class over the confidence-torn Sydney squad who slumped to their fourth defeat from five games. The Crows led by as much 51pts before half-time and though the Swans displayed a greater commitment during a 20-minute passage, the Harboursiders were outclassed.

The result brought Sydney coach RODNEY EADE to acknowledge Adelaide as the most skilful side in the competition, and the strong prospect the Crows could win back-to-back premierships. Eade said: "To be honest they've got more talent overall than us – they've got some super-skilled players"—Adelaide on percentage climbed to third place; the Swans are now a precarious seventh – ADELAIDE 18.16-124 (Marsh 3, Ricciuto 3) best, Rehn, Ricciuto, James, SYDNEY 12.15-87 (Cresswell 3) best, Dunkley, Nicks, Luff.

CHIP Le GRAND in The Australian of the Sunday game at Subiaco (35,238) said: "A gallant Melbourne thumbed its nose at reputation, form and experts to produce one of the upsets of the season with a startling 17-point win over West Coast ...". The win ended a six-win streak by West Coast and brought Melbourne first win in Perth since 1990.

Melbourne coming off two hidings and wounded by injury also lost ANTHONY INGERSON and PAUL HOPGOOD from the selected side. West Coast early threatened to take control but their haphazard disposal kept the Demons well in touch to half-time. With some of the Eagle playmakers fading, SHAUN SMITH provided a turning point eight minutes into the second half when he goaled and Melbourne were only four points down. Rising to the occasion defender ADEM YZE produced a 12-possession third term as JEFF WHITE and TODD VINEY worked hard for the Demons to go into the last with an 11pt lead.

Melbourne maintained their commitment throughout the final quarter bringing coach NEALE DANIHER to observe: "We are not a team of stars. We need everyone contributing and we got that today" — MELBOURNE 14.12-96 (J.McDonald 4, Robertson 3) best, Yze, Viney, White, WEST COAST 11.13-79 (Heady 3) best, McIntosh, Waterman, McKenna.

Monday’s Tribunal
EVERITT OFF — BRAD DODD SUSPENDED
St Kilda ruckman and Brownlow Medal prospect PETER EVERITT maintained his clean record when he was cleared of a striking charge by the AFL Tribunal on Monday (29th) night.

Pleading not guilty, the Tribunal after just six minutes found Everitt had no case to answer. He had been charged by umpire VINCE SERCIA with striking the head of Rohan Smith (WB). It was Everitt's sixth appearance before the Tribunal since his AFL debut in 1993.

Fremantle on-baller BRAD DODD in the 14th match of his excellent debut season pleaded guilty to striking Richmond's NICK DAFFY at the MCG on Saturday. For the offence Dodd was punished with a two match suspension.

STAB KICKS …
<> Collingwood president KEVIN ROSE on Monday (29th) confirmed negotiations had taken place to the prospect of the Packer media empire taking a substantial sponsorship interest in his club. Michael Horan in the Herald Sun (30th) quoted: 'They're very interested,' an enthusiastic Rose said yesterday. He said the club had dealt with JAMES PACKER and Nine network managing director and chief executive David Leckie.

Seven Network chairman KERRY STOKES told The Age that Seven would not tolerate involvement by Packer, his company PBL or any of its subsidiaries.

<> Warwick Hadfield reported in The Australian (2nd) — that Australian sport looks set for a major wrangle as the Melbourne Cricket Club seeks a slice of broadcasting rights.

Melbourne lawyer DAVID GALBALLY, QC, suggested a determination over who owns and controls the broadcast of what comes out of a sports ground may ultimately be decided in the High Court.

North hammer St Kilda
Nationwide rain keeps score low
Top eight battle continues

ROUND 15 — Fri-Sat-Sun, July 3-4-5.
MILESTONES — GEELONG played their 1950th League contest ... KEVIN SHEEDY with game number 415 equalled DICK REYNOLD's coaching record (1939-60) at Essendon ... TONY LOCKETT (StK, now Syd) played his 250th senior game ... STUART MAXFIELD (Rch, now Syd) played his 150th ... ALEX McDONALD (Haw, now Col) his 100th ... while 50 games were achieved by JAMES COOK (Car, now WB), ROHAN WARFE (Fit, now Syd), MATTHEW LAPPIN (StK) and JONATHON ROBRAN (Haw).

FROM THE ROUND
<> Two sides failed to score in a quarter. CARLTON were scoreless in the second quarter against Richmond — for the first time in 109 matches. Not since 94-R1 at Football Park against Adelaide (when the Blues lost) have Carlton been held pointless in a term.

<> HAWTHORN in the final quarter against Adelaide failed to add to their three-quarter time score. It was the first occasion in 25 years that the Hawks have been pointless in the closing term – last time was 73-R9 versus St Kilda at Moorabbin.

<> Sydney's win over Fremantle on Sunday was their first success at Subiaco Oval since April 12 1987. It ended losses against West Coast in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1995 and 1997, plus their 1996 failure against the Dockers. It was also Sydney's first victory against Fremantle.

<> GARRY LYON (Mel) in his 216th match reached 400 career goals ... SIMON MINTON-CONNELL (Car, Syd, Haw, now WB) playing his 110th game kicked his 300th goal … <> difficult conditions at Football Park on Sunday resulted in 12.21 of the 13.25 scored by both sides being kicked to the southern end. … <> the 44,806 to watch the Magpies and Cats on Sunday was the slimmest crowd to see the two at the MCG since Saturday July 29 1989 when 35,217 saw the Pies hand Geelong their heaviest defeat (21pts) of the year …

<||> Carlton though hampered by the late withdrawal of Silvagni, Bradley and Manton burst out of the blocks, kicking four goals in the opening nine minutes.

Thereafter it was one-way traffic as Richmond thrashed their arch-rival in the Friday night contest to a big 66,287 at the MCG. The Tigers stepped up their claim for a finals berth with a blistering display while Carlton struggled in most departments. NICK DAFFY (Rch) was clearly best afield while both MATTHEW RICHARDSON and JUSTIN PLAPP (his second game) with five goals each were clear winners on the forward line. It was surprising that the Tigers 62pt margin wasn't greater — RICHMOND 20.12-132 (Richardson 5, Plapp 5) best, Daffy, Knights, Gaspar, CARLTON 11.4-70 best, Rice, De Iulio, Murphy.

<||> Saturday was a beautiful winter's day and a 27pt victory ended Essendon's run of three successive losses when in front of 37,685 at the G they withstood a strong finish from Port Adelaide.

The Bombers attacked the ball strongly and enjoyed a dominant midfield and the ruckwork of STEVE ALESSIO and were never seriously threatened. Port, sparked by WARREN TREDREA (four last quarter goals) staged a belated resurgence to bring life into what had been a fairly pedestrian display from the Power. One of the keys to the game was the chemistry between MICHAEL LONG and CHE COCKATOO-COLLINS for the Dons — ESSENDON 16.12-108 (Cockatoo-Collins 3, Lloyd 3) best, Calthorpe, Misiti, Cockatoo-Collins, PORT ADELAIDE 12.9-81 (Tredrea 4) best, Wanganeen, Mead, Eagleton.

<||> Waverley was in near-perfect condition for the big Saturday contest for which only 36,557 attended. North with WAYNE CAREY playing a dominant role crushed St Kilda by a morale-shattering 67pts which tipped the Saints off top position.

The Roos after twin-defeats brought their season back on track when they grasped the moment in punishing one of the major contenders. The Saints were bulldozed with WINSTON ABRAHAM kicking four goals for the Kangas in the opening term. In the long haul, it became the King Carey Show as the champion collected 26 possessions, kicked six goals and beat five opponents, one of whom was STEWART LOEWE who got the Bronx cheer from the fans when he took one of his rare marks near the final siren. NATHAN BURKE was one of the few 100% triers for the Saints who tumbled back to second — NORTH MELB 22.13-145 (Carey 6, Abraham 5, Grant 3, McKernan 3) best, Carey, King, Simpson, ST KILDA 12.7-79 best, Burke, Harvey, Thompson.

<||> The Dogs and Demons had a tightly-fought contest in the good conditions at Carlton on Saturday (20,782). There were few highlights in the low-scoring affair in which neither side played well until the final quarter.

When BRETT MONTGOMERY was switched to the Bulldogs' centre half-forward post the Westerners finally gained control. With three-last quarter goals from Montgomery, the Dogs doubled their score and went on to win by 18pts.

Melbourne lacked a potent forward, while the Bulldogs would have been happy at getting the points, but would have impressed few by their showing — WESTERN BULLDOGS 12.11-83 (Grant 3, Montgomery 3) best, Grant, Johnson, Montgomery, MELBOURNE 9.11-65 best, Tingay, White, Leoncelli.

<||> A game-long drizzle produced slippery conditions on Saturday night at the Gabba (15,369). It was an error-filled game — however the Eagles made fewer mistakes and came out winners by 27 points.

For almost half the match, Brisbane failed to break through for a goal – from the middle of the second quarter until half way into the last. The Eagles had several solid contributors in DEAN KEMP, CHRIS WATERMAN and CHAD MORRISON but both sides searched hard to find an effective route to goal. The Sandgropers hold on to their high rank, while ROGER MERRETT as Brisbane coach tasted defeat for the first time — WEST COAST 11.10-76 best, Peter Matera, Kemp, McIntosh, BRISBANE 6.13-49 best, Lawrence, Champion, Akermanis. Andrew Williams (WCE) in his debut League game was reported for tripping.

<||> Football Park for the early Sunday game produced cold, wet and windy conditions when the third-placed Crows proved too good for the bottom-ranked Hawks. Adelaide's champion ruckman SHAUN REHN towered in contests around the ground and was the effective difference.

Alan Shiell in The Age reported: "It was like watching 36 men trying to play with a bar of soap on an ice-skating rink, and the wonder that 38,430 people braved a strong northerly wind and non-stop rain to witness it".

In the end, Hawthorn failed to score in the final term and were held to the lowest tally of the season — ADELAIDE 9.14-68 best, Rehn, James, Bickley, HAWTHORN 4.11-35 best, Holland, S.Crawford, Barker.

When their major playmaker NATHAN BUCKLEY withdrew with a neck injury, Collingwood were at long odds to halt their four-game losing run when they faced Geelong on Sunday at the MCG for a slim 44,806 which attended on a bleak day.

With wholesale changes to their line-up Collingwood turned to youth, sweat and toil to regain their pride. Martin Blake in The Age reported: "Collingwood's day was best summarised by the fact that when an otherwise forgettable game came down to a hectic final 15 minutes, when Geelong made its inevitable thrust and regained the lead for the first time since the second quarter, the Magpies had no Buckley to turn to, and both Roccas were benched on a dirty day for tall, marking players".

"It was an arm wrestle from the start and on reflection, it was Collingwood's burst of four unanswered goals in the second quarter, based around delightful ruck work from the veteran DAMIEN MONKHORST, that decided the game".

Geelong let a critical opportunity slip; Collingwood's win was thoroughly deserved — COLLINGWOOD 10.11-71 best, Monkhorst, Burns, Williams, GEELONG 9.7-61 (Hall 3) best, McGrath, Riccardi, Bizzell.

<||> Following seven fruitless journey to Subiaco Oval dating back to 1989, Sydney scraped home over Fremantle on Sunday for a small crowd of 21,042. The game was highlighted by TONY LOCKETT's 250th League game since 1983 with both St Kilda and Sydney. His six goals was a valuable contribution to the Swans' win. Lockett increased his career tally to 1228 goals.

The contest was physical with three suffering concussion — PETER FILANDIA (Syd) and two Fremantle players JESS SINCLAIR and JASON NORRISH. Sinclair suffered the effects after a heavy clash when legitimately met by TROY COOK (Syd) in the second quarter. The incident produced a series of flare-ups, from which the Swans powered away with a match-winning term of 5.2.

Sydney are a long way from their early season form, while the Dockers desperately need a forward line — SYDNEY 13.4-82 (Lockett 6, O'Farrell 3) best, Cresswell, O'Loughlin, Lockett, FREMANTLE 10.9-69 best, Bond, Maher, Toia.

THEME PARK PROPOSED FOR WAVERLEY
Daryl Timms in the Herald Sun reported (3rd) The Breakaway Group continues its effort to purchase the 88ha Waverley Park site to build the world's first sporting theme park. The newspaper on Saturday (4th) followed with a front-page story by Terry Brown indicating the original vision from when Waverley was first designed may be surpassed to reach a capacity of 160,000.

Transportation to the venue may be eased with a planned monorail linking rail lines at Glen Waverley, Ferntree Gully and Huntingdale.

Head of Breakaway IAN BENNETT said with just Hawthorn as the tenant football club Waverley could survive economically . "We have just done a major feasibility study and it looks very good," Bennett said. The Breakway Group had the finance to buy the ground knowing development will exceed the $33 million offered and indeed have plans for up to $350 million to be spent.

The theme park is one of seven options presently under review as the AFL aims to raise the $30 million needed to buy into the Docklands Stadium.

A report from consultants Arthur Anderson is expected to be presented to the AFL by mid-July.

SEVEN AND OPTUS SECURE AFL ON PAY-TV
A long-term deal has been finalised between Seven and Optus to secure continuation of AFL football on pay-TV. Seven will produce two or three sports channels which will include the AFL, rugby league, tennis and golf. A majority of AFL games will continue on Optus as well as one match each week exclusive to pay-TV.

Monday’s Tribunal
SUSPENSIONS FOR EAGLES AND DOCKERS
Two Fremantle players faced the AFL Tribunal on Monday for offences from Sunday's game against Sydney at Subiaco.

BRODIE HOLLAND (Fre) though pleading not guilty was suspended for two matches for striking DARYN CRESSWELL (Syd) with an arm to the head in the second quarter.

JAMES CLEMENT (Fre) was cleared of the charge of having wrestled ROHAN WARFE (Syd) to the ground.

ANDREW WILLIAMS (WCE) playing his first AFL match was found guilty of tripping SHAUN HART (Bri) in the Saturday night match as the Gabba. Williams was outed for one game.

Tuesday’s Tribunal
JASON McCARTNEY GETS THREE WEEKS
North Melbourne's journeyman JASON McCARTNEY was suspended for three weeks at Tuesday's (7th) sitting of the AFL Tribunal.

McCartney was charged from a video review of the Saturday match at Waverley and was found guilty of striking PETER EVERITT (StK).

Four previous suspensions from his 90-game League career with Collingwood (38 games), Adelaide (37) and North (15) didn't help his cause. McCartney was found to have struck Everitt to the side of the head in the first quarter. It is ironic that Everitt escaped penalty from a similar incident the previous week.

TAX OFFICE EXAMINES 800 PLAYERS
ESSENDON head a list of 10 AFL clubs facing fines and back payments for their failure to declare fringe benefits paid to their players and employees.
Essendon expect to be hit with a tax bill of $220,000 as part of an audit of all clubs expected to net the Taxation Office with up to $2 million in back payments. The ATO have examined the financial affairs of some 800 past and present AFL players and subjected about 40 to an audit.

Speaking on Channel 7's Today Tonight program the Tax Commissioner MICHAEL CARMODY said it was important clubs and players pay their share of tax. "While many are meeting their responsibilities, there are others who I guess, aren't providing a good role model for their fans" — The Age, July 8.

NORTH APPEAL McCARTNEY SUSPENSION
North Melbourne lodged an appeal on Wednesday against the three-match suspension handed down to JASON McCARTNEY by the AFL Tribunal on Tuesday night. It is the second appeal since the League established the review process late last year.

McCartney's appeal will be heard by the independent board chaired by PETER O'CALLAGHAN, QC, at 5.30pm on Monday (13th).

Victoria are still the leaders
SA stake claim for shot at the Vics

STATE OF ORIGIN — Fri-Sat, July 10-11.
A rash of mid-season injuries to key players reduced the quality of all four State of Origin teams in the matches set aside for the seasonal event. Victoria played The Allies in Brisbane on Friday night, while South and Western Australia again locked horns at Football Park on Saturday in a late-afternoon start.

Attendances at the two State contests amounted to only 32,181 — 13,977 in Brisbane and a tardy 18,204 in Adelaide, again bringing to question the support of both the football community and the public to the concept.

The pursuit of further State of Origin contests which cost some $800,000 to stage will be examined closely by the AFL. It is however expected that South Australia will play Victoria at the MCG in the middle of next season while The Allies and Western Australia will meet in either Brisbane or Sydney. Beyond 1999 it becomes a very doubtful commodity. In the year 2000 to meet requirements for the staging of the Sydney Olympic Games, the League season will have an earlier start and be finished before the middle of September, leaving little space for State games.

The concept devised by LEON LARKIN of the Subiaco club and first staged in WA in 1977 may have outlived its usefulness. State of Origin football was taken by the rival Rugby League code to an "art-form" with classic confrontations being staged each year between NSW and Queensland. For Australian Football, the State of Origin now appears to be on its last legs.

<||> On Friday night at the Gabba to a crowd of 13,977, VICTORIA (coach Leigh Matthews) 22.16-148 (Everitt 7.1) best, Rohan Smith, Peter Everitt, Garry Hocking, Stewart Loewe, Brad Johnson, THE ALLIES (coach Damien Drum) 14.11-95 (Hudson 3, Burns 3) best, Shane Crawford, Ronnie Burns, Daryn Cresswell, Darryl White, Justin Blumfield.

<||>