|
A meagre crowd of just 18,841
were on hand on Sunday afternoon at Docklands Stadium to witness an amazing game which
produced 42 goals and a thrilling finish. A dream debut by JADE RAWLINGS was not enough to
get last year's wooden-spooners Western Bulldogs over the line. In light of hot Melbourne
conditions of 33 degrees, the roof at Docklands was closed at midday – inside it was
warm, sticky and little movement of air.
Paul Gough for Sportal recorded: The match also heralded the return of the
Bulldogs' favourite son Chris Grant after a year out with a knee injury.
After having little impact in the first three terms, he was back to his best in a gripping
final term in halting several West Coast attacks. However two last quarter goals each from
Ashley Sampi and Phil Matera, who ended the day with
five, swung the the game the Eagles' way as Ben Cousins continually
forced the ball forward. After trailing by 34 points after just 20 minutes, when the Dogs
kicked seven goals to one with Rawlings kicking three first term goals, it was the Eagles
who appeared to be coasting when they led by 20 points shortly after half-time.
But in a crazy game, in which both sides took turns to dominate, the Dogs took control
when Ben Harrison goaled on the run at the 16 minute mark to put the home
side ten points up. The four goals in five minutes appeared to have won the game for West
Coast until Rawlings' seventh and a mark and goal from giant Peter Street
cut the margin to two points with just under three minutes left. But after the Dogs' fans
had screamed for a holding the man free in front of goal to no avail (later admitted as an
umpire blunder), came the crucial piece of play with a contested ball in the middle of the
ground accidentally rebounding into the path of Chad Morrison off the
boot of Luke Darcy. Morrison then handballed to Sampi, who found himself
in acres of space, and his running goal from 50 metres finished off a brave Bulldogs side,
who it must be said still look shaky in defence although their new-look forward line
– with Rawlings as the focus – looks capable of troubling most sides. |
| 2004 — ROUND 1 — GAME 8 |
| Western
Bulldogs v West Coast |
Sunday,
March 28, 2004
Docklands, 2.10pm EST, roof: closed, crowd: 18,841
Conditions: Good on the ground, but oppressive heat
Weather: Hot, 33 degrees outside |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WB |
7.2-44
(9) |
11.6-72 |
16.11-107
(7) |
20.17-137 |
| WCE |
5.5-35 |
11.8-74
(2) |
15.10-100 |
22.12-144
(7) |
Goals: West Coast: Peter Matera 5.2, Chris Judd 4, Michael
Gardiner 3, Andrew Embley 2, Ashley Sampi 2, Andrew McDougall, Dean Cox, Michael Braun,
Chad Fletcher, Daniel Chick, Damien Adkins. West.B'dogs: Jade Rawlings
7.4, Mitch Han 3, Robert Murphy 2, Luke Darcy 2, Brad Johnson, Patrick Bowden, Scott West,
Adam Cooney, Ben Harrison, Peter Street.
Best: West Coast: Ben Cousins, Michael Gardiner, Chad Fletcher, Chris
Judd, Chad Morrison, Peter Matera. West.B'dogs: Jade Rawlings, Scott
West, Rohan Smith, Matthew Robbins, Robert Murphy, Brad Johnson.
Umpires: Matt Stevic, Corin Rowe, Justin Schmitt. |
Although Port Adelaide have
nothing to show for finishing as minor premiers in successive seasons, their record at
Subiaco Oval is impressive and on Saturday night in good conditions held on score a
thrilling three-point victory over West Coast in front of 39,760 fans. It was the Power's
sixth win from seven starts at Subi as the Eagles suffered only their fourth defeat at
home in four seasons.
Once again, Warren Tredrea was the hero forward for Port,
kicking five on Quinten Lynch after his six last week – Tony
Thurstans kicked three. John McGrath observed for The West
Australian that the Eagles will be cursing a string of missed opportunities during a
frenetic last quarter. Dean Cox, Phil Matera and Chris
Judd all hit the post from point-blank range as the Eagles came agonisingly close
to nailing Port in the dying seconds of the game. After trailing by 28 points midway
through the final term, the Eagles kicked the last four goals of the match.
The Eagles, with no recognised tall forward, relied on sharpshooters Ashley Sampi and
Matera to do the bulk of scoring. Sampi's five-goal haul was a brilliant effort, while the
livewire Matera kicked three opposed to Gavin Wanganeen which generated a
tremendous duel. The tackling was ferocious as both teams threw everything into the
contest and the Eagles seemed to be doing well in the first quarter, although skipper Ben
Cousins was well held by Kane Cornes and Judd was kept in check
by Domenic Cassisi. The Eagles came out after half-time with purpose but
Port hurt them by kicking two quick goals to extend their lead to 29 points – the
home side was in trouble. But Andrew Embley and Daniel Chick lifted
dramatically in the midfield as the Eagles booted five of the next seven goals, to reduce
the margin to nine points at the last break. The finish brought a cliffhanger, with Port's
Tredrea the difference between the two teams.
The win was Port's seventh from 10 games at Subiaco, giving it the best record of any
visiting club at the ground. |
| 2004 — ROUND 2 — GAME 4 |
| West
Coast v Port Adelaide |
Saturday
(n), April 3, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 7.40pm EST, crowd: 39,760
Conditions: Excellent
Weather: Warm day |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
4.0-24
(3) |
7.2-44 |
12.10-82 |
17.13-115 |
| PA |
3.3-21 |
10.6-66
(22) |
14.7-91
(9) |
18.10-118
(3) |
Goals: Port: Warren Tredrea 5.0, Toby Thurstans 3, Shane
Burgoyne 2, Adam Kingsley 2, Jarrad Schofield, Kane Cornes, Stuart Dew, Peter Burgoyne,
Domenic Cassisi, Brendon Lade. West Coast: Ashley Sampi 5.2, Phillip
Matera 3, Chris Judd 2, Michael Gardiner, Andrew Embley, Daniel Chick, Brent Staker, Glen
Jakovich, Ben Cousins, Damien Adkins.
Best: Port: Warren Tredrea, Kane Cornes, Toby Thurstans, Shane Burgoyne,
Michael Wilson. West Coast: Chris Judd, Ashley Sampi, Dean Cox, Daniel
Kerr, Michael Gardiner, Phillip Matera.
Umpires: Michael Vozzo, Brett Allen, Shane McInerney.
Report: MICHAEL WILSON (PA) for rough play against TRENT CARROLL (WCE) in
the first quarter. The Tribunal found Wilson not guilty of the charge. |
After the first 19 minutes of
Saturday night's match at Docklands, Essendon led West Coast 48-0. Only the most dedicated
fans of the 33,195 watching would forecast the end of the match some two hours later would
result in a last quarter which produced nine changes of lead, scores level three times and
a final margin of just one goal. The thrilling final term ended a week of high drama as
Essendon captain JAMES HIRD gave one of his greatest individual performances. Hird had 14
kicks, one handball, five clearances for the quarter and kicked two goals, including the
match-winning goal from the boundary line inside the last minute.
PAUL GOUGH noted for afl.com.au: By the end of this amazing game the Bombers
should have been getting down on their knees and thanking the AFL Appeal Board because had
MATTHEW LLOYD not played in this game, then even Hird's brilliance would not have been
enough to save the Bombers. Lloyd, whose two match suspension for striking was overturned
by the Appeal Board on Thursday, kicked eight goals in a devastating performance. When the
Eagles were storming their way back into the contest in a memorable third quarter, it was
Lloyd's four goals for the term that ensured the Bombers were not completely overrun.
The Bombers were so close to losing three games in a row for the first time 1998 and
losing the first three games of the season for the first time since 1967. However it
should be remembered that the Eagles' incredible comeback was achieved without number one
ruckman MICHAEL GARDINER, who left the field after only 10 minutes and did not return,
while to compound the visitors' lack of height their back-up ruckman limped off early in
the final term. But thanks to their brilliant midfield of Cousins, Judd, Kerr, Embley,
Fletcher and Adkins, the Eagles just continued coming at Essendon despite their lack of
height in attack which saw the tiny Matera opposed to Fletcher all night. However in the
end the effort to peg back an eight goal deficit and the brilliance of Hird and Lloyd
proved the difference in what was surely the best game of the 2004 season so far. |
| 2004 — ROUND 3 — GAME 3 |
| Essendon
v West Coast |
Saturday
(n), April 10, 2004
Docklands, 7.10pm AEST, Roof closed, crowd: 33,195
Conditions: Good
Weather: Fine |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| ESS |
8.0-48
(30) |
10.1-61
(14) |
16.3-99
(1) |
22.5-137
(6) |
| WCE |
3.0-18 |
7.5-47 |
15.8-98 |
20.11-131 |
Goals: Essendon: Matthew Lloyd 8.0, Mark Mercuri 3, James Hird
3, David Hille 2, Justin Murphy 2, Dean Solomon, Scott Lucas, Ricky Dyson, Nathan
Lovett-Murray. West Coast: Andrew McDougall 3, Ben Cousins 3, Ashley
Sampi 3, Phillip Matera 3, Daniel Kerr 2, Damien Adkins 2, Chad Fletcher, Michael Braun,
Daniel Chick, Glen Jakovich.
Best: Essendon: James Hird, Damien Peverill, Matthew Lloyd, Adam McPhee,
Andrew Welsh, Dean Solomon. West Coast: Daniel Kerr, Ben Cousins, Chris
Judd, Dean Cox, Ashley Sampi, Quinten Lynch.
Umpires: Michael Vozzo, Matthew Head, Darren Goldspink. |
West Coast continued its
dominance over Brisbane in Perth when it won by three points in a thrilling finish on
Saturday afternoon at Subiaco Oval. In good conditions following morning rain, the Eagles
in front of a near-capacity 39,666 held the Lions goalless in the last quarter to win its
seventh encounter from eight visits by Brisbane to the west.
MIC CULLEN for Sportal noted: Brisbane had plenty of chances throughout the game,
but poor work in the forward line kept allowing West Coast to rebound and kick goals
against the run of play, something they regularly do at Subiaco. CHRIS JUDD and DANIEL
KERR worked hard all day for the Eagles in the midfield battle, with ANDREW EMBLEY working
forward constantly to kick a couple of majors, while ANDREW McDOUGALL and PHIL MATERA
booted three. The duel in the ruck all day was terrific, with DEAN COX and MARK SEABY
going up against JAMIE CHARMAN and DYLAN McLAREN.
MICHAEL VOSS, playing forward was quiet, having an entertaining duel with DANIEL CHICK
early, while West Coast would be happy with the debut of ruckman Seaby (from West Perth),
who worked hard around the ground and showed good poise. Charman nearly killed BLAKE
CARACELLA in the third term as he soared over him for a mark just outside the 50, which
led to the ex-Bomber being taken from the ground with a dislocated left shoulder. When
Lion NIGEL LAPPIN kicked a point from 30 metres out with 15 seconds remaining, it
perfectly encapsulated the game and the wastefulness of the Lions inside their forward 50.
Brisbane were under the pump from the start – crack forward ALASTAIR LYNCH did not
travel due to his on-going chronic fatigue problem. The fill-in forward DANIEL BRADSHAW
pinched a nerve in his back in the warm-up and did not play. The Lions could have replaced
Bradshaw, but overlooked an AFL rule and played with only a three-man bench. |
| 2004 — ROUND 4 — GAME 3 |
| West
Coast v Brisbane |
Saturday,
April 17, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 4.10pm AEST, crowd: 39,666
Conditions: Good
Weather: Early rain; overcast, some drizzle |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
3.2-20
(5) |
6.4-40
(12) |
10.5-65 |
12.7-79
(3) |
| BRI |
2.3-15 |
4.4-28 |
10.9-69
(4) |
10.16-76 |
Goals: West Coast: Andrew McDougall 3, Phillip Matera 3, Andrew
Embley 2, Daniel Chick, Chris Judd, Ashley Sampi, Mark Seaby. Brisbane: Craig
McRae 2, Jonathan Brown 2, Brad Scott, Nigel Lappin, Jason Akermanis, Tim Notting, Simon
Black, Dylan McLaren.
Best: West Coast: Chris Judd, Andrew Embley, Dean Cox, Brent Staker, Chad
Fletcher, Daniel Kerr. Brisbane: Jamie Charman, Shaun Hart, Jonathan
Brown, Aaron Shattock, Jason Akermanis, Luke Power.
Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Corin Rowe, Martin Ellis. |
Saturday afternoon was overcast
and the surface of Princes Park surprisingly soft in the centre for the clash between
Carlton and West Coast – a crowd on only 18,018 were on hand. Coming off a
three-point win over Brisbane in Perth the previous week, the Eagles could not come to
terms with the conditions and were unable to match Carlton's intensity. West Coast were
held to their second lowest half-time score – 0.4 – squandering their chances,
CHRIS JUDD missed two on the run, ASHLEY SAMPI was off-line from 50 metres and DANIEL KERR
snapped one out on the full.
CHLOE SALTAU reported for The Age: BRENDAN FEVOLA looked frazzled in the
first quarter, and by the end of it was sitting on the bench contemplating a missed mark,
a wayward kick for goal and a half-forward fumble. But by half-time, the indignity was all
West Coast's. While the Eagles failed to conjure a goal, Carlton's magnetic forward hit
back spectacularly. In the end, Fevola was everything the Eagles didn't have in its
strangely unproductive forward line, almost equalling West Coast's score on his own,
kicking 6.3, and leading the rejuvenated, reconfigured Blues to an impressive 49-point win
in conditions as wild and woolly as Fevola's dreadlocks.
JORDON CHONG observed for Sportal: NICK STEVENS drove the Blues forward with purpose,
ANDREW WALKER was very impressive on debut and HEATH SCOTLAND gave Carlton a hard-running
option. If the runners were good, the entire defence had a day out. In particular, MATTHEW
LAPPIN patrolled the half-back line beautifully, cleverly reading the play and linking up
with teammates further up the ground. KARL NORMAN shut down the normally dangerous PHILLIP
MATERA (who did not register a possession in the first half), BRET THORNTON was too good
for ANDREW McDOUGALL, DAVID TEAGUE didn't allow BRENT STAKER any room and RYAN HOULIHAN
stuck with ROWAN JONES throughout. BEN COUSINS, MICHAEL BRAUN and Judd fought bravely, but
Carlton was just so good on the day. |
| 2004 — ROUND 5 — GAME 2 |
| Carlton
v West Coast |
Saturday,
April 24, 2004
Princes Park, 2.10pm AEST, crowd: 18,018
Conditions: Good
Weather: Overcast, cold and windy |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| CAR |
2.2-14
(12) |
7.3-45
(41) |
10.6-66
(48) |
14.8-92
(49) |
| WCE |
0.2-2 |
0.4-4 |
2.6-18 |
6.7-43 |
Goals: Carlton: Brendan Fevola 6.2, Heath Scotland 2, Scott
Camporeale, Ryan Houlihan, Brett Johnson, Digby Morrell, Lance Whitnall, Justin Davies. West
Coast: Ashley Sampi 2, Damien Adkins 2, Chris Judd, Michael Braun.
Best: Carlton: Matthew Lappin, Andrew Walker, Heath Scotland, Nick
Stevens, Brett Johnson, Scott Camporeale. West Coast: Ben Cousins, Ashley
Sampi, Adam Hunter, Chad Fletcher, Michael Braun.
Umpires: Michael Avon, Stefan Grun, Justin Schmitt. |
The Fremantle Dockers posted
their fifth win of the 10-year-old battle with its cross-town rival West Coast in the 19th
Western Derby played in fine conditions on Saturday afternoon at Subiaco Oval before a
bumper crowd of 42,135 – the second-biggest attendance in derby history.
JOHN McGRATH recorded the match for The West Australian: The Dockers'
band of little men – led by PAUL HASLEBY and PETER BELL – set up the victory.
Hasleby was unstoppable on the ball for most of the night and collected his third Ross
Glendinning Medal as best-on-ground. He won narrowly from Bell who had 33 possessions
– Hasleby had 30 touches and two goals. The Eagles had their chances but had no
targets up forward, apart from pint-sized PHIL MATERA, who kicked four goals despite being
well held by ROGER HAYDEN in one-on-one contests. The Eagles had only four goalkickers
compared with Fremantle's nine. West Coast's best players were ANDREW EMBLEY, who did a
good job on MATTHEW PAVLICH, and DANIEL KERR, who burst forward a number of times and
finished with three goals.
The Eagles went into the match as underdogs but coach JOHN WORSFOLD threw down the
challenge to the flamboyant Dockers when he instructed his players to go man-on-man from
the first bounce. The lead changed eight times in the first half as first one team then
the other enjoyed brief ascendancy. ASHLEY SAMPI was lively early for the Eagles with
three first-half goals and at the other end Fremantle's JEFF FARMER also booted three
before half-time. Freo threatened to break away in the third quarter when Hasleby, playing
inspirational football, kicked a goals in the first minute, following by another to TROY
SIMMONDS and a third from close range by JUSTIN LONGMUIR. As with most derbies, tight and
tough was the order of the day. The Dockers withstood everything the Eagles threw at them
to run out 10-point winners. |
| 2004 — ROUND 6 — GAME 5 |
| West
Coast v Fremantle |
Saturday
(n), May 1, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 7.40pm AEST, crowd: 42,135
Conditions: Very good
Weather: Fine |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
3.2-20 |
7.5-47
(2) |
9.5-59 |
11.7-73 |
| FRE |
4.1-25
(5) |
7.3-45 |
11.8-74
(15) |
12.11-83
(10) |
Goals: Fremantle: Jeff Farmer 3, Paul Hasleby 2, Graham Polak,
Antoni Grover, James Walker, Troy Simmonds, Justin Longmuir, Peter Bell, Paul Medhurst. West
Coast: Phillip Matera 4, Ashley Sampi 3, Daniel Kerr 3, Darren Glass.
Best: Fremantle: Paul Hasleby, Peter Bell, James Walker, Shaun McManus,
Troy Cook, Roger Hayden. West Coast: Ben Cousins, Daniel Kerr, Andrew
Embley, Ashley Sampi, Quinten Lynch.
Umpires: Stephen McBurney, Matthew Head, Stuart Wenn. |
The steady march continued for
Melbourne when it posted its sixth successive win on a fine Sunday afternoon at the MCG,
giving the Demons its best start to a season since 1990, when they won seven of their
first eight. The sole highlight for the visiting West Coast side was a spectacular mark by
ASHLEY SAMPI only seconds before the half-time break – "when he rose incredibly
high over the shoulders of Melbourne's PAUL WHEATLEY to take one of the best and certainly
one of the highest marks seen in the history of the game" – noted by PAUL GOUGH
(Sportal).
SCOTT GULLAN reported the game for the Herald Sun: While Melbourne's win
was clinical rather than brilliant, thanks mainly to the quality of the opposition, there
was a significant factor that is pushing the Demons well and truly into the contender
bracket: they did it without DAVID NEITZ. The Demon skipper, who so often is the barometer
of his team, didn't touch the ball in the first half, spent time on the bench and
virtually had no influence. RUSSELL ROBERTSON's 16-kick, 13-mark, five-goal day took care
of most of the heat in the forward line but there were other important contributors, such
as BEN HOLLAND, excitement machine AARON DAVEY and CAMERON BRUCE, who all chimed in with
two goals.
The Demons' defence, which has come in for the most criticism, was again the crucial
component even without its No. 1 man, CLINT BIZZELL. The run of NATHAN BROWN (24
possessions) and ADEM YZE (28), combined with the coolness and hardness of youngsters
JARED RIVERS (22 and nine marks) and MATTHEW WHELAN shone out. Throw in the class of
TRAVIS JOHNSTONE and CHRIS HEFFERNAN, plus some promising signs from STEVEN ARMSTRONG,
particularly in the second half, and Melbourne is looking pretty impressive. As for the
Eagles, they lack decent tall players back and forward, which puts enormous pressure on
their A-grade midfielders, who understandably will have downers, as they did in this one. |
| 2004 — ROUND 7 — GAME 7 |
| Melbourne
v West Coast |
Sunday,
May 9, 2004
MCG, 2.10pm AEST, crowd: 21,145
Conditions: Good
Weather: Early gloom turned to sunshine |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| MEL |
4.6-30
(16) |
8.9-57
(13) |
12.12-84
(30) |
18.14-122
(49) |
| WCE |
2.2-14 |
7.4-46 |
8.6-54 |
11.7-73 |
Goals: Melbourne: Russell Robertson 5.1, Ben Holland 2, David Neitz 2,
Cameron Bruce 2, Aaron Davey 2, Steven Armstrong, Nathan Brown, Scott Thompson, Travis
Johnstone, Bead Green. West Coast: Brent Staker 3, Ashley Sampi 2, Philip Matera 2,
Andrew McDougall, Andrew Embley, Callum Chambers, David Wirrpunda.
Best: Melbourne: Russell Robertson, Matthew Whelan, Jared Rivers, Paul Wheatley,
Scott Thompson, Nathan Brown. West Coast: Michael Braun, Darren Glass, Brent
Staker, Daniel Kerr, Brett Jones.
Umpires: Mathew James, Matthew Nicholls, Shane McInerney.
Report: <> CHRIS HEFFERNAN (Mel) for tripping DANIEL KERR (WCE) in
the first quarter. The Tribunal cleared Heffernan of the charge.
<> From video, KASEY GREEN (WCE) was cited for kicking CAMERON BRUCE (Mel) in the
last quarter. Green pleaded guilty and was suspended for four matches. |
Heavy clouds threatened Subiaco
Oval on Saturday afternoon but the rain stayed away – a crowd of 38,870 attended. The
match marked the 276th and last match for West Coast veteran GLEN JAKOVICH after his
sudden announcement of retirement. Jakovich, arguably West Coast's greatest-ever player
started in a blaze of glory with a career-equalling best of three goals in the first
quarter. The Eagles snapped a three-game losing streak while condemning Sydney to their
fourth straight defeat.
MARK DUFFIELD reported the match for The West Australian: The Swans, who
lost ADAM GOODES to a knee injury at the opening bounce covered his departure well and got
the first two goals of the match through BRETT KIRK and MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN. Jako's three
goals for the Eagles was a fairytale start to his farewell game and the pair were tied on
5.3 at quarter-time. West Coast wrested control of the match with two quick bursts in the
second quarter. The Eagles got three of the first four goals and three of the last four.
O'Loughlin added two during the quarter for the Swans but the Eagles took a 17-point lead
to half-time.
Kirk had kept a tight rein on West Coast skipper BEN COUSINS and the Swans had valuable
targets in BARRY HALL (5.2 for the day) and O'Loughlin (three) but the Eagles held a clear
edge in the midfield with CHRIS JUDD, CHAD FLETCHER and DANIEL KERR all wielding strong
influences on the match. DEAN COX had slightly the better of his ruck duel with JASON
BALL, and ANDREW EMBLEY helped to negate O'Loughlin's goals with plenty of run. But, the
Eagles squandered chances in the third quarter. The Swans started the last 20 points down
and goals to Embley and ASHLEY SAMPI had the visitors 32 points behind, 10 minutes into
the last term. Sydney then kicked six of the next seven goals to draw within two points,
but then the Eagles steadied to run out 27-point winners. It was a desperately-needed by
West Coast who started a climb back up from 14th place. |
| 2004 — ROUND 8 — GAME 3 |
| West
Coast v Sydney |
Saturday,
May 15, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 4.10pm AEST, crowd: 38,870
Conditions: Very good
Weather: Sunny at times, rain threatened but held off |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
5.3-33
(–) |
11.4-70
(17) |
14.9-93
(20) |
18.16-124
(27) |
| SYD |
5.3-33
(–) |
8.5-53 |
11.7-73 |
15.7-97 |
Goals: West Coast: Phillip Matera 5.1, Glen Jakovich 3, Callum
Chambers 2, Ben Cousins 2, Adam Selwood, Chad Fletcher, Andrew Embley, Dean Cox, Michael
Braun. Sydney: Barry Hall 5.2, Michael O'Loughlin 3, Nic Fosdike 2, Brett
Kirk, Ben Mathews, Nick Davis, Jude Bolton, Stuart Maxfield.
Best: West Coast: Ben Cousins, Brent Staker, Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr,
Callum Chambers, Phillip Matera. Sydney: Barry Hall, Paul Bevan, Jude
Bolton, Ben Mathews, Nic Fosdike, Brett Kirk.
Umpires: Mathew James, Martin Ellis, Kieron Nicholls.
Report: DANIEL KERR (WCE) for charging BRETT KIRK (Syd) during the third
quarter. The charge was withdrawn on Monday. |
West Coast was no match for St
Kilda on Sunday afternoon at Docklands. Under fair skies the roof remained open with
30,478 in attendance. After nine rounds the Saints remain undefeated, with two wins in
hand over second placed Melbourne. The 9th victory equalled the club record set the Saints
of 1997.
STEPHEN RIELLY in his overview of the match for The Age noted: Admittedly against
a West Coast side utterly ill-equipped for the contest, the Saints goaled every 12
possessions. It is a measure of outstanding efficiency and intent to score with an average
below 20. They kept the Eagles to nine goals, as is the way of Malthouse sides trained for
the slow death, but kicked 26, as Blight's Cats did when the coach dared the opposition to
fire off more rounds than his own. The Saints are averaging almost 18 goals a game but
conceding a tad over 10. They are entertaining in a way that invites us to think what is
possible rather than probable – although there was a sense of predicability whenever
the ball went near NICK RIEWOLDT, who took 15 marks – but not at the expense of
neglecting the principle fundamental to so much sporting success, which is that defence
wins premierships.
Until the final term, when the Saints kicked seven unanswered goals, the Eagles were
honest. They kicked three goals in each of the first three quarters and were on track to
kick a score that would have won them four other games in the round. Captain BEN COUSINS
and his midfield running mates CHRIS JUDD and CHAD FLETCHER were slowing the flow of the
inevitable result and yet at the last change, they trailed by 59 points. It said something
that the worst of St Kilda's punishment was yet to be dealt. That was certainly meted out
by AUSTINN JONES, who was superb again in defence, if what he produces can be called
defensive football. He is playing like a mercurial half-forward who has forgotten that he
is meant to be at the other end of the ground.
The most brilliant moments though, were at the other end of the ground, where
four St Kilda forwards shared 20 goals and the best of the lot, Riewoldt, kicked a further
two. FRASER GEHRIG bagged his now routine five and STEPHEN MILNE and AARON HAMILL four
each but all were bettered, at least on the scoreboard, by BRENT GUERRA, who kicked seven. |
| 2004 — ROUND 9 — GAME 8 |
| St
Kilda v West Coast |
Sunday,
May 23, 2004
Docklands, 2.10pm AEST, Roof: open, crowd: 30,478
Conditions: Good
Weather: Cloudy, cool |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| STK |
6.4-40
(19) |
13.7-85
(41) |
19.9-123
(59) |
26.13-169
(101) |
| WCE |
3.3-21 |
6.8-44 |
9.10-64 |
9.14-68 |
Goals: St Kilda: Brent Guerra 7.0, Fraser Gehrig 5.1, Stephen
Milne 4, Aaron Hamill 4, Nick Riewoldt 2, Justin Koschitzke, Xavier Clarke, Max Hudghton,
Austinn Jones. West Coast: Phillip Matera 2, Ashley Sampi 2, Travis
Gaspar 2, Andrew McDougall, Chad Morrison, Adam Selwood.
Best: St Kilda: Brent Guerra, Nick Riewoldt, Austinn Jones, Fraser
Gehrig, Aaron Hamill, Nick Dal Santo. West Coast: Ben Cousins, Chris
Judd, Chad Fletcher.
Umpires: Scott McLaren, Michael Avon, Matthew Nicholls, Darren Goldspink.
McLaren replaced Avon (strained elbow) in first quarter.
Report: JUSTIN KOSCHITZKE (StK) for charging CALLUM CHAMBERS (WC) during
the second quarter. Following a video review, the charge was withdrawn on Monday. |
Subiaco Oval was clear and sunny
on Saturday afternoon when it welcomed 38,517 spectators. A six-goal haul from West Coast
sharp-shooter PHILLIP MATERA and a virtuoso performance by CHRIS JUDD guided the Eagles to
a convincing 37-point win over Richmond.
MIC CULLEN noted for afl.com.au – It is not often that a team can be thumped
by 17 goals and start favourite the following week, but that was the case in this match,
with both teams coming off beltings last week, but the home-ground advantage saw West
Coast get the nod from the punters. Matera was the shining light up front for the hosts,
kicking three goals in each of the first and third terms, while DEAN COX again did well in
the ruck, along with MARK SEABY. Once again, it was the West Coast midfield that led the
way, with skipper BEN COUSINS, Judd and DANIEL KERR racking up possessions at will as they
took control of the game after the long break.
CALLUM CHAMBERS convincingly won his battle with Tiger captain WAYNE CAMPBELL, while
DARREN GLASS had very little to do guarding Tiger spearhead MATTHEW RICHARDSON who
finished with two goals. KANE JOHNSON won his duel with West Coast playmaker CHAD FLETCHER
and JOEL BOWDEN, NATHAN BROWN and BRAD OTTENS tried hard for the Tigers. West Coast blew
the game away as a contest in the third quarter with seven goals to two, three to Matera
and a couple to Chambers, and the game limped to its conclusion with the Eagles extending
its lead to 37 points. |
| 2004 — ROUND 10 — GAME 3 |
| West
Coast v Richmond |
Saturday,
May 29, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 4.10pm AEST, crowd: 38,517
Conditions: Very good
Weather: Fine, clear and sunny |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
4.2-26
(5) |
5.6-36
(–) |
12.10-82
(34) |
14.16-100
(37) |
| RCH |
3.3-21 |
5.6-36
(–) |
7.6-48 |
9.9-63 |
Goals: West Coast: Phillip Matera 6.2, Callum Chambers 3, Mark Nicoski,
Sam Butler, Dean Cox, Mark Seaby, Chris Judd. Richmond: Matthew Richardson 2, Brad
Ottens 2, Nathan Brown, Andrew Krakouer, Greg Stafford, Kayne Pettifer, Tim Fleming.
Best: West Coast: Phillip Matera, Ben Cousins, Chris Judd, Dean Cox, Brent Staker,
Andrew Embley. Richmond: Kane Johnson, Joel Bowden, Brad Ottens, Nathan Brown, Mark
Chaffey.
Umpires: Craig Hendrie, Shane McInerney, Dean Margetts.
Report: DARREN GLASS (WCE) and MATTHEW RICHARDSON (Rch)
for wrestling in the first quarter. Glass took the automatic $1200 penalty for pleading
guilty to a first offence. Richardson contested the charge. He was found guilty and fined
$4000, for his second wrestling offence. |
Collingwood's revival continued
on Friday night under a closed roof at Docklands Stadium. The Pies made it a hat-trick of
wins after West Coast pulled to within 11 points late in the game. The victory came at
loss to the Magpies when key forward ANTHONY ROCCA was carried off on a stretcher late in
the second quarter with a serious-looking right ankle injury. Only days later was it found
not to have been as bad as first feared.
MICHAEL HORAN of the Herald Sun reviewed the match: A crowd of 44,401
rode the Magpies' roller-coaster as the home side slipped 20 points down early in the
game, muscled their way to a 35-point lead going into time-on in the third term, but then
had their nerve and stamina sorely tested when the Eagles got to within 11 points four
minutes from the end. The game was in dispute until the final minute before local hero
CHRIS TARRANT kicked his fourth goal. At the other end, West Coast danger man PHIL MATERA
was never allowed in the contest by rising Magpie star RICHARD COLE, who restricted the
goalkicker to just three kicks.
The Eagles were explosive out of the middle in the opening quarter – CHRIS JUDD,
DANIEL KERR, CHAD FLETCHER, BEN COUSINS and ANDREW EMBLEY had 43 possession between them
– and slipped out to a 20-point lead as Collingwood struggled to match them for pace
and productivity. The game changed completely when Collingwood lifted its intensity with
five unanswered goals – one from ruckman GUY RICHARDS just before the quarter-time
siren and four more in the opening minutes of the second as SCOTT BURNS, PAUL LICURIA and
SHANE WOEWODIN began to exert their influence. The Pies successfully shut down their
opponents, allowing them just one goal from quarter time, while adding nine of their own,
when the Eagles breathed life into the contest by booting the final two goals of the third
term. The Magpies played the possession game and, were rewarded when Tarrant marked 30m
out with just 62 seconds left, before delivering the final blow. |
| 2004 — ROUND 11 — GAME 1 |
| Collingwood
v West Coast |
Friday
(n), June 4, 2004
Docklands, 7.40pm AEST, Roof: closed, crowd: 44,401
Conditions: Good, but slippery
Weather: Cool |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| COL |
3.2-20 |
8.3-51
(9) |
12.6-78
(23) |
14.9-93
(18) |
| WCE |
5.4-34
(14) |
6.6-42 |
8.7-55 |
11.9-75 |
Goals: Collingwood: Chris Tarrant 4, Alan Didak 3, Scott Burns 2, Cameron
Cloke 2, Ryan Lonie, Guy Richards, Paul Licuria. West Coast: Andrew McDougall 2,
Daniel Kerr 2, Michael Braun, Mark Seaby, Daniel Chick, Dean Cox, Ashley Hansen, Andrew
Embley, Phillip Matera.
Best: Collingwood: Scott Burns, Rhyce Shaw, Paul Licuria, Chris Tarrant, Cameron
Cloke, Tarkyn Lockyer. West Coast: Daniel Kerr, Chad Fletcher, Andrew Embley, Dean
Cox, Chris Judd.
Umpires: Mathew James, Hayden Kennedy, Derek Woodcock.
Report: From video, CHRIS TARRANT (Col) for striking TRENT CARROLL (WC)
in the fourth quarter. Tarrant was found guilty and suspended for two matches. Collingwood
FC appealed. The Appeal Board on Thursday upheld the verdict of the Tribunal. Four weeks later on July 7, the
AFL fined the Collingwood FC $5000 for post-appeal criticism made by coach MICK MALTHOUSE,
who was also handed a $5000 suspended sentence. |
Adelaide crashed to a
demoralising loss to West Coast on Saturday night in cool and soft conditions at Subiaco
Oval following substantial rain in Perth throughout the week. The Crows were saved when
the inaccurate Eagles took their foot off the pedal in the last quarter and a 32-point
margin resulted.
DIGBY BEECHAM noted for the Sunday Herald Sun: The Eagles continued
their yo-yo like form, relishing the comforts of home to outclass the Crows and stay
within touching distance of the eight. In a game that never reached great heights, the
Eagles benefited from an even performance against an opponent that for the most part
lacked spirit and cohesion, snapping a four-match losing streak. The Crows, stunned on
home soil by Carlton last weekend, did not give a yelp in the first three quarters and the
deficit would have been far more alarming had they not outscored the Eagles 7.2 to 4.1 in
the final quarter.
The depth of the Eagles midfield simply overwhelmed the Crows. ANDREW EMBLEY, DANIEL KERR
and CALLUM CHAMBERS asserted themselves on the match when CHRIS JUDD and BEN COUSINS were
quelled by ROBERT SHIRLEY and TYSON STENGLEIN, while their defence turned the screws on
Adelaide's misfiring forward line. In attack, ASHLEY HANSEN kicked four goals in an
impressive effort for West Coast, PHIL MATERA snared three, ANDREW McDOUGALL – in
further proof he is becoming more comfortable at AFL level – and Judd booted two.
Adelaide can thank itself that Stenglein did what he set out to do on Cousins, while
Brownlow medallist MARK RICCIUTO never stopped trying. The Adelaide players attack of the
footy early was hard to fault, but the inability to find a winning option in attack
ensured this match would be a lop-sided one. |
| 2004 — ROUND 12 — GAME 4 |
| West
Coast v Adelaide |
Saturday
(n), June 12, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 7.40pm AEST, crowd: 37,580
Conditions: Soft following substantial rain
Weather: Cool and cloudy |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
4.3-27
(17) |
7.9-51
(27) |
11.17-83
(51) |
15.18-108
(32) |
| ADE |
1.4-10 |
3.6-24 |
4.8-32 |
11.10-76 |
Goals: West Coast: Ashley Hansen 4, Peter Matera 3, Andrew
McDougall 2, Chris Judd 2, Callum Chambers, Daniel Kerr, Quinten Lynch, Mark Seaby. Adelaide:
Trent Hentschel 4, Matthew Bode, Tyson Edwards, Brett Reilly, Hayden Skipworth,
Mark Stevens, Rhett Biglands, Michael Doughty.
Best: West Coast: Andrew Embley, Daniel Kerr, Callum Chambers, Darren
Glass, Dean Cox, Chris Judd. Adelaide: Trent Hentschel, Andrew McLeod,
Mark Ricciuto, Tyson Stenglein, Robert Shirley, Tyson Edwards.
Umpires: Justin Schmitt, Craig Hendrie, Scott Jeffrey. |
The skies were clear above
Manuka Oval on Sunday afternoon but the biting, windy chill of seven degrees in Canberra
made demands on both players and of the 8,542 spectators who attended. The Kangaroos came
away with a solid 33-point victory over West Coast that lifts the Roos back into the top
eight.
ALISON REHN reported the game for the Herald Sun: The Kangaroos can
attribute their victory to a dominant midfield performance from DANIEL HARRIS, SHANNON
GRANT, ADAM SIMPSON and MICHAEL FIRRITO. West Coast midfielders CHRIS JUDD, DANIEL KERR
and BEN COUSINS were nullified by their physical Roo rivals. After a fairly even first
half, a five-goal burst in eight minutes in the third term set up the match for the Roos.
The 15-point halftime lead was first extended by SAVERIO ROCCA, who scored from a set shot
from 40m. Shortly after, Harris found himself on his own at the 50m mark and was about to
have a shot when he picked out LEIGH BROWN on his own in the pocket, who then waltzed into
goal. Two goals to BRENT HARVEY within a minute and then one from outside 50m by COREY
JONES put the game out of the Eagles' reach.
The final quarter lost a bit of the zing of the first three, each team scoring only one
goal, and the Roos cruised to a comfortable victory. Veterans GLENN ARCHER and LEIGH
COLBERT marshalled the Roos' defence against a mainly inexperienced West Coast forward
line. In his 150th game for the Eagles, PHILLIP MATERA managed three goals, as did
youngster ANDREW McDOUGALL, but for the most part the visitors found targets up forward
hard to hit. The Eagles (5+8) barring a significant reversal of form will struggle to make
the finals. |
| 2004 — ROUND 13 — GAME 5 |
| Kangaroos
v West Coast |
Sunday,
June 20, 2004
Manuka Oval, 1.10pm AEST, crowd: 8,542
Conditions: Fair, except for a bare centre cricket-pitch area
Weather: Cold and sunny, 7C to start |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| KAN |
5.4-34
(3) |
10.8-68
(15) |
15.9-99
(34) |
16.12-108
(33) |
| WCE |
5.1-31 |
8.5-53 |
10.5-65 |
11.9-75 |
Goals: Kangaroos: Brent Harvey 4, Saverio Rocca 3, Leigh Harding 2,
Shannon Grant 2, Brady Rawlings, Daniel Harris, Leigh Brown, Corey Jones, Firrito. West
Coast: Andrew McDougall 3, Phillip Matera 3, Daniel Kerr, Ben Cousins, Mark Seaby,
Callum Chambers, Ashley Sampi.
Best: Kangaroos: Brent Harvey, Glenn Archer, Leigh Colbert, Adam Simpson, Shannon
Grant, Daniel Harris. West Coast: Chad Fletcher, Chad Morrison, Dean Cox, Callum
Chambers, Darren Glass.
Umpires: Matthew Head, Mathew James, Matt Stevic. |
Subiaco Oval was wet and windy
on Saturday night for a crowd of 36,668. In a match which produced just 14 goals, West
Coast celebrated the 10-year reunion of its 1994 premiership team in style by defeating
the club it had beaten to claim both its flags.
MARK DUFFIELD reviewed the match for The West Australian: The Cats
started brightly enough, kicking the first two goals of the game through GARY ABLETT and
KENT KINGSLEY, and taking a seven-point lead into quarter-time, but then lost their way
completely in the second and third terms when they could manage only one goal. The Eagles
were more committed and better organised but only marginally more productive, kicking
three goals in the second quarter and one goal in the third to take a two-goal lead to
three-quarter time. It wasn't pretty, but if was effective, the Eagles stifling Geelong's
run with a desperate, hard-tackling game plan that produced plenty of midfield scrums but
precious little space in attack for the Cats' opportunistic forward line.
DARREN GLASS, at full-back, dominated Kingsley and West Coast dominated the midfield,
CHRIS JUDD and MICHAEL BRAUN were the two most defensive players on the ground and got
solid running support from CHAD FLETCHER, DANIEL KERR and youngster SAM BUTLER. But given
the Eagles failed to translate their clear midfield edge into a decisive margin, the Cats
still had the opportunity for one final surge. PETER RICCARDI kicked the first goal of the
last quarter and instantly, Geelong was within a kick. PHIL MATERA gave the Eagles a
two-goal buffer six minutes into the quarter with a goal scrambled from the square but a
BRENT MOLONEY goal 14 minutes in gave the Cats hope again. Faint hope became a realistic
chance when DAVID WOJCINSKI soccered through a goal with just two minutes remaining to put
the Cats two points adrift. But in a game that had been a scramble throughout, Geelong
couldn't bring itself to switch play and take the necessary risks to win the game. With
JAMES KELLY breaking his left leg in the first quarter, it was a dark evening for the
Cats, whose three-match winning streak came to an end. |
| 2004 — ROUND 14 — GAME 5 |
| West
Coast v Geelong |
Saturday
(n), July 3, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 7.40pm AEST, crowd: 36,668
Conditions: Fair to good, soft in patches
Weather: Windy; rain across 2nd, 3rd, 4th quarters |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
2.1-13 |
5.4-34
(5) |
6.6-42
(12) |
7.9-51
(2) |
| GEE |
3.2-20
(7) |
4.5-29 |
4.6-30 |
7.7-49 |
Goals: West Coast: Ashley Hansen 2, Ashley Sampi, Chris Judd,
Andrew McDougall, Chad Fletcher, Phillip Matera. Geelong: Gary Ablett 2,
Peter Riccardi 2, Kent Kingsley, Brett Moloney, David Wojcinski.
Best: West Coast: Chris Judd, Ben Cousins, Chad Fletcher, Quinten Lynch,
Ashley Hansen, Adam Hunter. Geelong: David Wojcinski, Tom Harley, Gary
Ablett, James Bartel.
Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Scott McLaren, Shane McInerney. |
Saturday afternoon was fine but
a cool 12C in Launceston when the Eagles made the long cross-country trek to play
cellar-dwellers Hawthorn at York Park – 15,881 attended. By narrowly defeating
Hawthorn, West Coast recorded its first win on the road since the opening round of the
season.
PAUL GOUGH reviewed proceedings for Sportal: it wasn't a pretty win by
John Worsfold's side but it was arguably their most important victory of the season,
giving the Perth club much-needed self-belief after six successive defeats in away
matches. Not even the parochial Tasmanian crowd could lift the Hawks, who cost themselves
any chance of victory with a woeful second term, as only the performance of acting skipper
NATHAN THOMPSON gave any hint of better things to come. But while there was again little
for coach Peter Schwab to smile about, Worsfold had plenty of reasons to be satisfied by
game's end. So often his team has been blown away early in matches when on the road this
season but despite CHRIS JUDD not managing a single touch in the opening term, the Eagles
still led at quarter-time by seven points despite conceding the first two goals of the
match.
The visitors then took control in the second quarter as Judd burst to life with two goals
while DEAN COX and CHAD FLETCHER ensured the Eagles won the midfield battles, despite
skipper BEN COUSINS being below his best.MARK SEABY, a 20-year-old 200cm giant in his
ninth game, helped break the game open with two second term goals as he finished with
three for the day while ANDREW McDOUGALL continues to show signs of improvement and also
kicked three. Hawthorn came back and won the second half but never got closer than 10
points. PETER EVERITT's third goal however, after the final siren, reduced the margin to
less than a kick for the first time since early in the second term. |
| 2004 — ROUND 15 — GAME 2 |
| Hawthorn
v West Coast |
Saturday,
July 10, 2004
York Park, 1.10pm AEST, crowd: 15,881
Conditions: Good
Weather: Fine and sunny; 12C at start |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| HAW |
2.3-15 |
4.5-29 |
8.8-56 |
12.10-82 |
| WCE |
3.4-22
(7) |
8.6-54
(25) |
10.10-70 |
12.14-86
(4) |
Goals: West Coast: Mark Seaby 3, Andrew McDougall 3, Chris Judd 3, Phillip
Matera 2, Michael Braun. Hawthorn: Nathan Thompson 4, Peter Everitt 3, Mark
Williams 2, Luke Hodge, Angel Lekkas, Sam Mitchell.
Best: West Coast: Chad Fletcher, Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr, David Wirrpunda, Drew
Banfield, Chad Morrison. Hawthorn: Nathan Thompson, Trent Croad, Angelo Lekkas,
Nick Ries, Peter Everitt, Simon Beaumont.
Umpires: Brett Allen, Kieron Nicholls, Chamberlain.
Reports: From video, LUKE HODGE (Haw) and DREW BANFIELD (WCE) for
wrestling during the second quarter. Banfield was cleared of the charge.
Hodge accepted the automatic $1200 fine for the incident. |
West Coast kept the flame of
their finals hopes alive in fine and cool conditions on Friday night at Subiaco Oval when
it comfortably defeated an under-manned Essendon by 44 points. The crowd of 40,674 was the
biggest of the year, other than the local Derby against Freo.
STEVE BUTLER reviewed the contest for The West Australian: On-baller
CHRIS JUDD put his pure silk on display to lead the Eagles to victory after the surprise
pre-game withdrawal of captain BEN COUSINS with a hamstring injury. Embattled defender
DAVID WIRRPUNDA and CHAD MORRISON also reminded the Eagle hierarchy of their ability to
remain a playing force. A standout aspect of the Eagles performance was the spread of
scoring options which saw five players in the multiple goalkickers' list. Essendon reeling
from the absence of key quartet JAMES HIRD, SCOTT LUCAS, SEAN WELLMAN and DEAN RIOLI, also
lost MARK McVEIGH in the second term with a corked thigh.
And the gaping hole that DUSTIN FLETCHER leaves when he is out of the Bombers' defence
mirrored the state of his mouth after he lost his front teeth in a sickening clash with
young Eagle ANDREW McDOUGALL's elbow early in the third term. West Coast had injury
worries of its own with promising tall forward ASHLEY HANSEN playing no part after quarter
time due to a hamstring injury. Essendon made a poor start and the night didn't improve as
they kept making terrible decisions and simple skill errors, and failed to goal in the
second term. After kicking their opening goal in the first term, the Dons kicked nine
behinds. Essendon were 1.10, and the game was already out of reach when MATTHEW LLOYD
finally kicked his first goal 10 minutes into the third term. The Eagles suddenly found
form and earned a timely percentage boost from 89.5 to 92.8. ASHLEY SAMPI, McDougall and
PHIL MATERA finished with three goals apiece for the Eagles, while youngster TED RICHARDS
was one of the Bombers who had an impact, kicking three majors of his own. |
| 2004 — ROUND 16 — GAME 1 |
| West
Coast v Essendon |
Friday
(n), July 16, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 8.40pm AEST, crowd: 40,674
Conditions: Good
Weather: Fine, slight cross breeze |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
6.5-41
(31) |
7.7-49
(34) |
12.8-80
(39) |
18.9-117
(44) |
| ESS |
1.4-10 |
1.9-15 |
5.11-41 |
10.13-73 |
Goals: West Coast: Andrew McDougall 3, Ashley Sampi 3, Phillip
Matera 3, Mark Seaby 2, Chad Morrison 2, Quinten Lynch, Chris Judd, Damien Adkins, Michael
Braun, Drew Banfield. Essendon: Ted Richards 3, Matthew Lloyd 2, Nathan
Lovett-Murray, David Hille, Brent Stanton, Adam McPhee, Dean Solomon.
Best: West Coast: Chris Judd, David Wirrpunda, Chad Morrison, Darren
Glass, Adam Hunter, Damien Adkins. Essendon: Damien Peverill, Joe Misiti,
Jason Johnson, Ted Richards, Adam McPhee, Dean Solomon.
Umpires: Michael Vozzo, Mathew James, Shaun Ryan. |
Port Adelaide notched its sixth
straight victory when it recorded an efficient and predictable win over a woefully
inaccurate West Coast in fine winter conditions at Football Park on Sunday afternoon
– only 26,286 attended, a worry for the Port hierarchy. Victory, however, didn't come
without resistance as the Eagles more than matched Port statistically, but released the
pressure value with appalling kicking for goal.
ALAN SHIELL reported for The Age: Port had only 22 scoring shots to West
Coast's 31 and also had fewer kicks, marks, handballs and inside-50s than the Eagles.
Centre half-forward WARREN TREDREA (six) was one of Port's 10 goalkickers, while PHIL
MATERA (four) was one of only six goalkickers for the Eagles, who had 14 of their 22
players scoring at least one behind. The Cornes brothers were again outstanding for Port,
with Chad starting superbly and finishing with 27 disposals and 10 marks at centre
half-back, and Kane restricting CHRIS JUDD to three kicks and two handpasses in the last
three-and-a-half quarters after the Eagles champion had four and two in the first 15
minutes.
CHAD FLETCHER, DANIEL KERR, MICHAEL BRAUN, CHAD MORRISON and DREW BANFIELD who started in
defence, kept West Coast moving through the midfield and the Eagles were pleased with the
versatility of 18-year-old South Australians BEAU WATERS (West Adelaide) and SAM BUTLER
(Central District) the Eagles' first two draft picks late last year. SHANE RUSSELL for Sportal
noted: There were some bruising tackles, and plenty of pressure, yet Port were able to
display better movement of the ball from the backlines and regular drive through the
flanks to offer Tredrea opportunities. The key was hard running and player support, and
while interest remains whether the style will be good enough to beat the other equal-top
sides, it is nonetheless good enough to record more consecutive wins than any other side
going around now. |
| 2004 — ROUND 17 — GAME 6 |
| Port
Adelaide v West Coast |
Sunday,
July 24, 2004
Football Park, 1.10pm AEST, crowd: 26,286
Conditions: Good
Weather: 13C, overcast, breaking to mainly sunshine |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| PA |
5.0-30
(13) |
10.4-64
(32) |
12.4-76
(18) |
16.6-102
(26) |
| WCE |
2.5-17 |
4.8-32 |
7.16-58 |
9.22-76 |
Goals: Port: Warren Tredrea 6.1, Brendon Lade, Jarrad Schofield,
Josh Carr, Byron Pickett, Dean Brogan, Josh Mahoney, Domenic Cassisi, Toby Thurstans. West
Coast: Phillip Matera 4, Chris Judd, Daniel Kerr, Michael Braun, Damien Adkins,
Quinten Lynch.
Best: Port: Chad Cornes, Warren Tredrea, Kane Cornes, Michael Wilson,
Josh Mahoney. West Coast: Chad Fletcher, Daniel Kerr, Michael Braun,
Phillip Matera, Beau Waters, Chad Morrison.
Umpires: Shane McInerney, Scott Jeffrey, Darren Goldspink. |
West Coast easily disposed of
the Western Bulldogs by 49 points at Subiaco Oval on Sunday afternoon. Conditions were
variable under dark skies, a strong wind blowing, rain in the first quarter and mostly
sunshine for the rest of the match.
DIGBY BEACHAM observed in the Herald Sun: Not for the first time this
season, the Bulldogs lacked poise, precision, frittered away possession and were unable to
make an impact in contested situations. They had a crack a various stages, but rarely a
clue on what to do when cool heads were needed. They have enough trouble hitting targets
inside Telstra Dome, so being exposed to wet and windy conditions was always going to
prove interesting. Despite kicking the first goal, the Dogs struggled to execute with any
purpose.
The Eagles midfield, led by best-on-ground CHAD FLETCHER, DANIEL KERR (when he ventured in
there after starting at half-forward), CHRIS JUDD and MICHAEL BRAUN, held sway throughout
and the defence once again held firm. The dash and surety of CHAD MORRISON, BEAU WATERS,
DAVID WIRRPUNDA and DARREN GLASS was particularly disheartening for the Dogs, whose
forward thrusts were rare and disjointed. Had it not been for SCOTT WEST, who was tireless
amassing 31 possessions in his 250th game, and NATHAN EAGLETON, the scoreline would have
looked far, worse even taking into account the drop in intensity by the Eagles, who
surrendered a golden opportunity to lift their percentage. |
| 2004 — ROUND 18 — GAME 8 |
| West
Coast v West.B'dogs |
Sunday,
August 1, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 4.10pm AEST, crowd: 36,028
Conditions: Good
Weather: 16C, Overcast, stiff breeze; rain in 1st quarter; then sunshine |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
4.2-26
(11) |
9.7-61
(32) |
12.10-82
(33) |
15.16-107
(49) |
| WB |
2.3-15 |
4.5-29 |
7.7-49 |
8.9-57 |
Goals: West Coast: Andrew McDougall 3, Phillip Matera 3, Damien Adkins 2,
Darren Glass, Chris Judd, Daniel Chick, Chad Fletcher, Quinten Lynch, David Wirrpunda,
Daniel Kerr. West.B'dogs: Ben Harrison 2, Matthew Robbins, Brad Johnson, Adam
Cooney, Simon Garlick, Patrick Bowden, Nathan Eagleton.
Best: West Coast: Chad Fletcher, Chad Kerr, Chad Morrison, Andrew McDougall, Beau
Waters, David Wirrpunda. West.B'dogs: Scott West, Nathan Eagleton, Mitch Hahn, Brad
Johnson, Robert Murphy.
Umpires: Stuart Wenn, Derek Woodcock, Matthew Nicholls. |
On Sunday afternoon in fine and
sunny conditions at the Gabba, West Coast ended Brisbane's 11-game winning run at home and
scored their fourth success from the past five games over the Lions. It was the first time
time this season the triple premiers have dropped consecutive games. The Eagles maintain
an eye to the finals and drew themselves level on 10 wins and 9 losses with the Kangaroos,
Sydney and Essendon – with all three remaining games to be played at Subiaco.
The 700th game as player and coach by LEIGH MATTHEWS gave him plenty to consider,
but a firm conviction that the sooner the suspended JONATHAN BROWN and injured ALASTAIR
LYNCH return to Brisbane's squad, the better. It was noted that despite entering their
forward arc on 56 occasions – twice as many times as the Eagles – Brisbane
struggled to take contested marks deep in attack and failed to secure a different route to
goal. In the absence of his forward twins, Matthews started JUSTIN LEPPITSCH at
full-forward, and when his influence was needed in defence tried about everyone, except
full-back MAL MICHAEL in key forward posts.
DAVE DONAGHY for Sportal noted: Veteran forward PHIL MATERA was outstanding for
the Eagles, providing the spark needed for the visitors who had to stave off several
concerted attempts by the Lions to draw their way back into the game. Dynamic youngster
ANDREW McDOUGALL booted four goals for the Eagles while the Lions were led by skipper
MICHAEL VOSS, SHAUN HART and TIM NOTTING who all kicked two. McDougall, the fifth pick in
the 2000 AFL draft, made the usually faultless Lions defenders look like park footballers
for most of the two first quarters with his ruthless attack on the ball and strong
marking. It could have much worse for Brisbane however, with West Coast's forwards –
particularly Matera – missing numerous opportunities. Matthews dismissed the notion
his team looked 'flat' since the 141 point win over Adelaide two weeks ago. "When you
are beaten it always looks that way," he said. |
| 2004 — ROUND 19 — GAME 6 |
| Brisbane
v West Coast |
Sunday,
August 8, 2004
BCG, 1.10pm AEST, crowd: 31,754
Conditions: Firm
Weather: 20C, Fine and sunny |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| BRI |
2.1-13 |
6.6-42 |
8.7-55 |
10.13-73 |
| WCE |
4.6-30
(17) |
8.9-57
(15) |
10.14-74
(19) |
12.15-87
(14) |
Goals: West Coast: Andrew McDougall 4, Phillip Matera 3, Quinten Lynch,
Ashley Sampi, Chad Morrison, Andrew Embley, Chad Fletcher. Brisbane: Michael Voss
2, Shaun Hart 2, Tim Notting 2, Jason Akermanis, Justin Leppitsch, Daniel Bradshaw, Martin
Pike.
Best: West Coast: Chris Judd, Chad Morrison, Andrew McDougall, Phillip Matera,
Quinten Lynch, Ashley Sampi. Brisbane: Luke Power, Jason Akermanis, Shaun Hart,
Simon Black, Michael Voss.
Umpires: Brett Rosebury, Simon Meredith, Darren Goldspink. |
West Coast barely got out of
first gear to thump a disappointing Carlton by 62 points in the Sunday afternoon sunshine
at Subiaco in front of a throng of 39,631 fans. From midway through the second quarter to
the ninth minute of the last, the Eagles kicked 9.14 while Carlton added just two behinds,
and the final quarter did not bring the Eagles the boost in percentage they would have
been hoping for.
West Coast had a plethora of goalkickers – four players grabbed a couple,
while another six kicked one a piece. MARK DUFFIELD reported for The West Australian: Carlton,
more through the lack of viable alternatives than any lack of planning, took a pack a
draft horses to a ground built for thoroughbreds. The Eagles were simply too fast for
Carlton. In the forward pocket GLEN BOWYER trotted after PHIL MATERA. In the midfield CORY
McGRATH had to gallop with CHRIS JUDD. At centre half-back DANIEL CHICK played first on
ANTHONY KOUTOUFIDES, then LANCE WHITNALL, which could have actually worked in the Blues'
favour but the two took only four marks between them and Chick outstripped them at ground
level.
Carlton managed to kick just six goals for the game and the only thing in doubt in the
last half was how wide the margin would be. The Eagles always had control of the midfield
where CHAD MORRISON, MICHAEL BRAUN, JOSH WOODEN and DAVID WIRRPUNDA all found themselves
in space time and again. By three-quarter-time they were content to rest match-winner
CHRIS JUDD deep in the forward line and blue-collar midfielder DANIEL KERR on the bench.
When they were needed in defence, West Coast backmen ADAM HUNTER and DARREN GLASS did all
that was required of them. Glass did an excellent job on BRENDAN FEVOLA, keeping him to
just one goal. The Blues had few good players, although NICK STEVENS, SCOTT CAMPOREALE and
defenders LUKE LIVINGSTON and DAVID TEAGUE tried hard. |
| 2004 — ROUND 20 — GAME 8 |
| West
Coast v Carlton |
Sunday,
August 15, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 4.10pm AEST, crowd: 39,631
Conditions: Good
Weather: 16C, fine and sunny |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
3.3-21 |
7.8-50
(32) |
12.15-87
(68) |
15.21-111
(62) |
| CAR |
0.5-5 |
2.6-18 |
2.7-19 |
6.13-49 |
Goals: West Coast: Andrew Embley 2, Andrew McDougall 2, Chris
Judd 2, Mark Seaby 2, Phillip Matera, Josh Wooden, Ashley Sampi, Chad Fletcher, Michael
Braun, Damien Adkins. Carlton: Anthony Koutoufides, Matthew Lappin, Scott
Camporeale, Brendan Fevola, Brett Johnson, Lance Whitnall.
Best: West Coast: Chris Judd, Michael Braun, Josh Wooden, Andrew Embley,
Chad Morrison, Darren Glass. Carlton: Nick Stevens, Anthony Koutoufides,
Matthew Lappin, Luke Livingston, Bret Thornton.
Umpires: Hayden Kennedy, Matt Stevic, Dean Margetts. |
West Coast surged into the top
eight for only the second time in the season when they comfortably accounted for Fremantle
by eight goals in the 20th Western Derby played in varying conditions at Subiaco Oval on
Sunday afternoon – a close-to-capacity 41,907 attended. Heavy rain fell in the hour
before the match, which returned in the second quarter.
DIGBY BEECHAM covered the match for the Herald Sun: The Eagles closed in
on a third straight finals appearance, while seriously denting the chances of the Dockers.
Eagle midfielder CHAD FLETCHER was best player afield, after eclipsing PETER BELL, LUKE
WEBSTER and DYLAN SMITH to gather 38 possessions. West Coast's composure, work-rate,
spread of contributors and willingness to work for each other was superior to the Dockers,
who again failed to perform on the big stage. The match may have been out of Fremantle's
reach at halftime had the Eagles taken their chances in front of goal during the second
quarter when they kicked 2.9 to 1.2.
West Coast's inaccuracy, inflated somewhat by seven rushed behinds, didn't abate in the
third quarter when TROY SIMMONDS and DES HEADLAND kicked goals in quick succession deep in
the term, the Dockers had cut the margin to 24 points and the pro-Fremantle crowd suddenly
found its voice. A goal by Bell inside the opening 60 seconds of the last quarter again
raised hopes of an unlikely victory, but the Eagles responded shortly after through a
clever DANIEL KERR goal that highlighted their dominance and ensured they would hold sway.
Eagles captain BEN COUSINS stretched his absence to six weeks because of his ongoing back
problem. That gave SAM BUTLER an opportunity and he didn't disappoint, joining Fletcher,
CHRIS JUDD, Kerr, MICHAEL BRAUN and JOSH WOODEN in a midfield brigade that totally
overwhelmed the Dockers. MARK DUFFIELD noted in The Age: For Fremantle, heroes
were few and the list who failed to measure up was embarrassingly long. SHAUN McMANUS went
harder at the ball than any teammates other than their heroic captain PETER BELL. PAUL
HASLEBY tried hard, as did JUSTIN LONGMUIR. Defenders such as ROBERT HADDRILL, SHANE
PARKER and GRAHAM POLAK battled their best to hold firm against a deluge of West Coast
attacks. |
| 2004 — ROUND 21 — GAME 8 |
| Fremantle
v West Coast |
Sunday,
August 22, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 4.10pm AEST, crowd: 41,907
Conditions: Slippery from rain
Weather: 14C, Some sunshine, rain in 2nd quarter |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| FRE |
2.2-14 |
3.4-22 |
5.8-38 |
6.9-45 |
| WCE |
5.1-31
(17) |
7.10-52
(30) |
9.14-68
(30) |
13.15-93
(48) |
Goals: West Coast: Chris Judd 2, Phillip Matera 2, Brent Staker
2, Ashleyu Sampi 2, Andrew McDougall, Josh Wooden, Adam Hunter, Daniel Kerr, Damien
Adkins. Fremantle: Justin Longmuir, Jeff Farmer, Shaun McManus, Troy
Simmonds, Des Headland, Peter Bell.
Best: West Coast: Chad Fletcher, David Wirrpunda, Daniel Kerr, Chris
Judd, Adam Hunter, Darren Glass. Fremantle: Robert Haddrill, Justin
Longmuir, Shane Parker, Peter Bell. Shaun McManus.
Umpires: Brett Allen, Martin Ellis, Shane McInerney. |
West Coast finished the minor
season in fine style with a convincing 40-point win over Melbourne on a mostly sunny (but
windy) Saturday afternoon at Subiaco for a good crowd of 39,882 fans. The Demons plunged
to their fourth successive defeat only four weeks after reaching top place on the ladder.
The Eagles, who were in trouble mid-season, came home with a rush, winning 10 of the last
13 games, but losing at three interstate venues.
Captain BEN COUSINS returned for the Eagles in his first game since Round 15 and
helped strengthen a midfield that was again influential from the outset – Cousins,
coming off the bench, collected 21 possessions and a goal. DIGBY BEECHAM reported for the Sunday
Times: MICHAEL BRAUN and CHAD FLETCHER were dominant early and finished with 35 and
30 touches respectively, while CHRIS JUDD overcame the close attention of CHRIS HEFFERNAN
and SIMON GODFREY to tally 34 disposals and a best-on-ground performance. Add JOSH WOODEN,
ANDREW EMBLEY and SAM BUTLER to the equation and you have an on-ball brigade that not only
smacks of class, but depth.
The Demons showed glimpses of a side that sat atop the ladder earlier in the month, but at
stages made a series of handling and disposal errors that typified a team on a losing
streak. RUSSELL ROBERTSON, as he has often done against the Eagles, proved to be a
headache and could be well satisfied with his three goals. BRAD GREEN, who started up
forward against CHAD MORRISON, kicked the first goal of the match, a major that appeared
to spark the Eagles. The home team held sway through the middle as Fletcher carried on
with his form and Braun eclipsed DANIEL WARD on his wing with characteristic hard running.
Melbourne was always going to face a tough task in the absence of DAVID NEITZ to break
even at best and you sensed during the final quarter they already had one eye on next
week. |
| 2004 — ROUND 22 — GAME 3 |
| West
Coast v Melbourne |
Saturday,
August 28, 2004
Subiaco Oval, 4.10pm AEST, crowd: 39,882
Conditions: Good
Weather: 14C, cloud cleared to mostly sunshine |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| WCE |
2.5-17
(3) |
6.8-44
(13) |
10.11-71
(28) |
15.17-107
(40) |
| MEL |
2.2-14 |
4.7-31 |
6.7-43 |
10.7-67 |
Goals: West Coast: Andrew Embley 3, Andrew McDougall 2, Phillip Matera 2,
Mark Seaby 2, Quinten Lynch, Ben Cousins, Josh Wooden, Damien Adkins, Ashley Sampi, Dean
Cox. Melbourne: Russell Robertson 3, Peter Walsh 2, Brad Green, Aaron Davey, Adem
Yze, Brad Miller, Cameron Bruce.
Best: West Coast: Chris Judd, Michael Braun, Ben Cousins, Chad Fletcher, Dean Cox,
Adam Hunter. Melbourne: Clint Bizzell, Nathan Brown, Russell Robertson, Jared
Rivers, Travis Johnstone, Troy Broadbridge.
Umpires: Mathew James, Corin Rowe, Shaun Ryan.
Report: CHRIS HEFFERNAN (Mel) for striking DANIEL CHICK (WC) in first quarter.
Heffernan pleaded guilty to the charge and was suspended for one premiership match. |
Nothing was going to stop Sydney
on Saturday night at Stadium Australia at Homebush, not even a wild electrical
thunderstorm during the second quarter which threatened to halt the elimination final. The
Swans successfully blanketed the Eagles' highly rated midfield in front of a disappointing
crowd of 40,282.
Veteran Swans midfielder PAUL WILLIAMS was a prolific kick-winner for Sydney and
early on had the better of his duel with West Coast dangerman CHRIS JUDD – which was
crucial to the outcome, wrote DAVID REED in The Age. It was West Coast's third
consecutive elimination final loss, although the Eagles did start fiercely and showed the
kind of tackling and imaginative running that was expected from the Swans. The gun
forwards from both sides were well held early; Sydney's MATTHEW NICKS kept PHIL MATERA in
check – and in fact, kickless – while West Coast's DANIEL CHICK and DARREN GLASS
were effective at the other end on the Swans' dangerous duo of MICHAEL O'LOUGHLIN and
BARRY HALL.
West Coast kicked 2.5 to Sydney's 2.2 in the first term and looked dangerous. But Sydney
exploded to play the game on their own terms and clinched the result in the second
quarter, piling on five goals as thunder reverberated around the stadium, while the Eagles
were pointless for the quarter. Sydney led by 30 points and ADAM SCHNEIDER kicked Sydney's
sixth unanswered goal two minutes into the third term before Judd rallied with two majors
in two minutes to revive the flagging interest of West Coast. The first of them came from
a running snap that Judd made look easy; the second from a snap deep in the forward pocket
that brought the crowd to its feet. The rain cleared midway through the third term and the
Swans cruised into the final break with a five-goal advantage. Hall and O'Loughlin had
continued to shine and ADAM GOODES was important, consistently running the length of the
ground to cut off West Coast's attacking thrusts at one end and troubling the Eagles in
attack at the other. Early term goals to CRAIG BOLTON and Hall, who outbustled Glass and
soccered through a goal, would settle the issue – Sydney by 41 points. |
| 2004 — 2nd ELIMINATION FINAL — GAME 3 |
| Sydney
v West Coast |
Saturday
(n), September 4, 2004
Stadium Australia, Homebush, 7.30pm AEST, crowd: 40,282
Conditions: Good, then wet and slippery
Weather: 15C, clear until heavy rain and lightning in 2nd quarter |
| |
1/4 time |
1/2 time |
3/4 time |
Final |
| SYD |
2.2-14 |
7.5-47
(30) |
9.8-62
(30) |
11.9-75
(41) |
| WCE |
2.5-17
(3) |
2.5-17 |
4.8-32 |
4.10-34 |
Goals: Sydney: Adam Goodes 2, Michael O'Loughlin 2, Craig Bolton
2, Barry Hall 2, Ryan O'Keefe, Amon Buchanan, Adam Schneider. West Coast: Chris
Judd 2, Drew Banfield, Ashley Sampi.
Best: Sydney: Paul Williams, Matthew Nicks, Barry Hall, Adam Goodes,
Craig Bolton, Michael O'Loughlin. West Coast: Drew Banfield, Chris Judd,
Andrew Embley, Chad Fletcher, David Wirrpunda, Dean Cox.
Umpires: Stephen McBurney, Scott McLaren, Derek Woodock. |
|
|
