AFL Round 5 Part 2

The ladder's sporting a new look this season with Hawthorn, Port
Adelaide and Richmond all in the top four, although how much longer
that'll last is open for debate. During the week ructions appeared at
Melbourne, where former Victorian Liberal president, Jeff Kennett mate
and "events" supremo Ron Walker was said to be mounting a challenge to
president Joseph Gutnick. This after Gutnick saved the club barely four
years ago. Those WASPs - they'll take your money but you can never be
one of them. Everyone at Deeland denounced the story as "absolute
rubbish" and some of them rounded on the man who broke the news,
Collingwood president and journalist Eddie McGuire, who sees no conflict
of interest in those jobs, none at all. (Actually he does, to the extent
that he refuses to commentate on Collingwood games - not that he's happy
about that). Walker himself was a bit more diplomatic. We'll see.

Hawthorn announced their team of the century and while it contained some
fantastic 'lines' - the full-forward line of Jason Dunstall, Peter
Hudson and John Platten, the following division of Don Scott, Michael
Tuck and Leigh Matthews - many eyebrows were raised by the presence of
recently-retired Paul Salmon on the bench. Salmon played two-thirds of
his 300 games with Essendon and, while he won two best-and-fairests at
Hawthorn, they were in years when the Hawks finished well down the
ladder. Centreman Terry Wallace, a dual premiership player for the Hawks
and current Footscray coach, didn't make the team (he wasn't surprised)
and wasn't invited to the function (he was surprised).

At Subiaco:
West Coast  1.2    4.4   10.4   11.4.70
Richmond    6.0   10.4   12.5   17.7.109

Away back in 1987 the Weagles lined up for their first-ever game,
against the Tigers at Subiaco. Ross Glendinning inspired a last-quarter
comeback for a local victory that day and West Coast went on to beat
Richmond every time the Tiges ventured west. Until this night. Once
again the Tiges managed to appear impressive and fragile within the same
game, the Weegles were pretty dreadful throughout except for a six-goal
burst in the third term. And Ken Judge. Although I don't like Rob Walls
much, he was spot-on here. What sort of coach rests his ruckmen at CHF?
Both Michael Gardiner and Dean Cox were exhausted by the start of the
last quarter. Things didn't go the Eegs' way even before the start, when
in-form full-back Ashley McIntosh withdrew with a corky sustained last
weekend. He was replaced by ex-Fremantle defender Greg Harding. That was
the only alteration to either side from last weekend.

Richmond flew from the blocks. They won clearly in the centre, Ben
Holland in defence grounded the Wiggles and in attack Matty Richardson
took advantage of McIntosh's absence to thrash Trent Carroll, Matt
Rogers kept David Wirrpunda honest. And winger Joel Bowden had the ball
on a string. He swapped passes with Duncan Kellaway to boot the first
goal, then Richardson converted from Mark Chaffey's pass. Weagle
spearhead Scott Cummings missed horribly, injured an ankle and departed
for the evening. The Weegs had their first goal when ex-Tiger Mark
Merenda roved in the goalsquare, but soon his night was over too with a
bad corky. The Tigers romped away, Richardson marked strongly in front
of Carroll and passed for leading Matt Rogers to grab and punt truly,
Rogers repeated the dose from a Wayne Campbell pass. Richmond cleared
the restart and Bowden's lightening handpass allowed Greg Tivendale to
roost their fifth goal, Chaffey made it six with a snap after Matthew
Knights fought hard to create the chance. The Weegs hadn’t been good,
their kicking deplorable, but they made more effort in the early second
term. Unfortunately aged spearhead Troy Wilson and professional poacher
Phil Matera both missed woefully. Finally they had reward when
half-forward Andrew Williams kicked long, the ball cleared the pack
where Phil Matera chest-marked and goaled. Then Phil's hooked kick
flopped into "Pregnant" Chad Morrison's arms and he majored, cutting
Richm'n' s lead to 14 points. Bowden replied for the Tiggers but
momentum was with the Eegs, Dean Kemp forced a mistake from Tigre Leon
Cameron and passed to Mick Gardiner, he goaled. However Richmun steadied
to boot three late majors, Morrison's turnover led to an easy slot for
Bowden, Rogers out-bustled Wirrpunda for a strong mark and goal, a
terrible effort from Weegle Michael Collica allowed Chaffey to set up
Richardson. The Tiges missed a couple of late opportunites, making their
half-time lead an even six goals.

Ken Judge moved Glen Jakovich onto Richardson to commence the third
quarter, a move which backfired spectacularly when Richardson kicked two
early goals, both from quick leads against the lumbering Jako. But the
Eegs roused themselves as Ben Cousins and Peter Matera began to win some
midfield possession, Greg Harding stopped Bowden. And SuperPhil Matera
was the entire forward line by himself. SuperPhil made a goal for
Morrison, converted a free-kick for bawwll against Mark Dragicevic (nice
white-hot handpass there, Gaspar) and produced a great second-effort to
send the ball forward where Chad Fletcher roved for a goal. Collica, who
seems to be playing in slippers, centered the ball for leading Wilson
who actually kicked straight. Four majors in seven minutes had halved
the margin to 24 points. The Tiges blew three chances for a steadying
goal before Weagle Peter Matera found brother SuperPhil on the lead for
another goal. And there was just enough time for the West Coast to clear
the centre bounce, Morrison kicked long where SuperPhil roved perfectly
again. The crowd roared their approval as the Eegs went to the final
break 13 points down. Richmond coach Danny Frawley did plenty of roaring
too. He also moved Brad Ottens into the ruck to replace tiring Brendon
Gale. At the opening bounce Ottens ripped the ball from the air, barged
through tackles and kicked long. Richardson seized a strong grab, went
back and kicked a mongrel, luckily (or not, depending on your view) it
wobbled through for a goal. Then Richo's smart centering kick made an
easy major for Rogers. Shortly afterwards Ottens, playing a big term,
marked and punted long, Rory Hilton marked on the goal-line and hooked
it for a sausage. The Tiges led by 32 points and it was over. Rogers
booted his fifth goal to extend the lead to 38 points before we saw the
best and worst of Eagle Troy Wilson. Two fast leads, two strong marks.
One goal and one absolute shocker which barely cleared the mark. At the
other end Richardson departed for a "chat" when he conceded his third
50m penalty of the night - two of them were rubbish - but returned to
boot his sixth goal and complete the scoring.

Richmond's most consistent player on the night was wingman Mark Chaffey,
who ran hard and used the ball very well from his 29 disposals, he also
took 10 marks and kicked a goal. Up front Matthew Richardson enjoyed
McIntosh's absence to boot 6 goals (and two on-the-full) from 13 marks
and 17 kicks. Alongside him Matt Rogers bagged 5 goals from 17 touches.
In the first half Joel Bowden was BOG, having 21 touches and kicking 3
goals, however he had just 7 disposals after the half as Harding did
well. Brad Ottens's big final term (6 touches, 3 marks, 15 and 8 in
total) was a factor. There were good performances too from Wayne
Campbell (32 possessions) and defender Andrew Kellaway (19 touches, 7
marks). For the Wiggles SuperPhil Matera was very good, snaggling 4
goals and setting up several others from his 15 disposals. Half-forward
Andrew Williams played well all night, 13 marks he took with 18
disposals although he wandered a long way to get them. On-baller
"Punched" Chad Fletcher beat Knights while having 14 disposals and a
goal himself. Ben Cousins (27 possessions) and Peter Matera (20 touches
with 15 kicks) plugged away and former Essadun back-pocket Michael Prior
(19 disposals) wasn't bad. "Pregnant" Chad Morrison kicked 2 goals and
Troy Wilson kicked 2.1, bringing his season total to 11.18. The Judge
said "They were a bit better than us tonight with the exception of the
third quarter. They were better around the contest. We are not over the
top with tall players. We missed McIntosh's experience and his
stability." Dan Frawley concurred. "We were the better side on the
night. They got a run-on in the third quarter but the character of the
boys showed and that's been an aspect of our game this season, the way
we finished off the game." Once again I've got through without
mentioning the disgusting umpires, who awarded 28 of the softest free
kicks you'll ever see to the Eagles and a niggardly 12 to the Tiges.

At Princes Park:
Carlton    4.4   7.11   10.14   17.23.125
St. Kilda  4.3   6.5    10.8     14.8.92

Even if you reckon St. Kilda are improved (and that's debatable) they
were staring down the barrel here. The Saints have won 8 times at
Princes Park in 104 years and Mal Blight never managed a victory there
with the Cows. Both sides went in weakened, Carlton without in-form
forward Matthew Lappin (the catch-all "flu") and the luckless Steven
Silvagni who ruptured a testicle last weekend and needed emergency
surgery on the Saturday night. Brett Backwell was dropped and Camporeale
was still missing with a hamstring. Three blokes were given their
Carlton debuts, former Bulldog small forward Jim Plunkett was elevated
from the rookie list following impressive Ansett Cup and VFL
performances. And two players were given their first AFL games,
21-year-old ex-Essendon reserves big man Jordan Doering and Tasmanian
half-back Simon Wiggins. The Saints went in missing captain Robert
Harvey, a hamstring strain sustained at training, but regained key
defender Max Hudghton.

It was a lot drier than last weekend, if still a little soft underfoot.
Much interest surrounded the return of Aaron Hamill to Princes Park,
playing for the Saints. No-one leaves Carlton, Bloo fans will tell you
in their endearingly pompous way, but Hamill did and he's copped it from
Bluesers ever since. Including, predictably, all through this game. Even
the umpires joined in, Hamill's first touch was a free kick awarded
right in front of the Carlton Social Club. Opponent Simon Beaumont gave
him a bit of niggle. Blue skipper Brett Ratten continued his fine recent
form with an 8-possession first-quarter and their first goal. In fact
Carlton kicked three goals before the Saints had scored, big men Brendan
Fevola and Anthony Koutoufides with the other two. Kouta was at
full-forward, opposed by Fraser Gehrig. Saint fans love him
already..."The Cheer Squad had a special banner for Fraser, it said
'Congratulations on your first kick'", said St. Kilda supporter and wit
Matthew Hardy. Harsh though, Gehrig did alright. Barry Hall was restored
to the forward line and helped instigate the Saint comeback in the first
term, along with young midfielders Caydn Beetham and Lenny Hayes.
Carlton continued to shade the Saints in the second stanza but kicked
lots of points. On the ball Mark Porter won the rucks, Ratten and his
off-sider Darren Hulme went well. Kouta and Lance Whitnall did the
missing, although Kouta managed another goal. Stakilda forced themselves
into a firmer position in the third quartier, Hall kicked two goals and
Stephen Milne poached one. Carlton couldn't take a mark in attack,
again, Whitnall was moved to full-back on Hall and Fevola benched. Kouta
remained. Carlton runner Peter Dean gifted the Stains a goal when he ran
between their Hayes and the mark, conceding a 50m-penalty. Three times
in the early final term Stakilda got within a goal, but Carlton
responded each time. Nathan Burke roved for a major, but Craig Bradley
stormed from the next centre bounce and slotted. Hall bagged his fifth
goal from a strong grab, Kouta answered for Carlton. Hamill, who'd been
quiet, seized a strong grab and kicked his first goal, back came Carlton
again through Adrian Hickmott. Simon Wiggins, who'd been on the bench
for most of it, ran on, went straight to CHF and marked uncontested as
the surrounding pack bustled about. Wiggins goaled to give the Blues a
3-goal buffer. Peter Everitt sank a 55m bomb for the Saints but the
Blues raced home with the last three goals, two for Fevola off the
bench.

Afterwards Carlton folk were full of praise for ruckman Mark Porter,
who's endured plenty of injury in recent years but was excellent here
with his superb tap-work, 14 disposals and 5 marks too. On the ground
Brett Ratten gathered 33 disposals and kicked 2 goals in another great
effort and Darren Hulme was handy also with 24 touches. Best of the Blue
rookies and one of the best in the game was small forward Jim Plunkett,
a skilled ball-user with 22 disposals. Half-back Scott Freeborn played
well with 16 disposals and a goal. Koutoufides had a good battle with
Gehrig but probably won it by kicking 4 goals from 21 disposals, Brendan
Fevola snaggled 3 goals with two in the final minutes and Adrian
Hickmott was his usual honest self, 3 goals from 21 possessions and 9
marks. For the Sainters it was the younger brigade to the fore, a good
thing I suppose. If only blokes like Burke, Loewe and Everitt could do
something. Caydn Beetham looks better every game, he had 23 disposals
with 11 in the last quarter. Barry Hall is much more comfortable up
forward, he booted 5 goals from 5 marks and 9 kicks - missed four times
though. Lenny Hayes had 24 disposals and kicked 2 goals, comparative
veterans Aussi Jones (27 handlings) and Andrew Thompson (27 also)
plugged away. Two more rookies in small forward Stephen Milne (11 kicks,
a goal) and tall defender Justin Koschitzke (20 disposals, 6 marks)
impressed again. Commentators have a bit of trouble with Justin's
surname. So far Kazinsky and Kashiskee are the most popular variants,
perhaps they're a little coy over the middle syllable. Anyway. Mal
Blight is frustrated by the Saints' ability to be competitive, but not
win. "If you can get within a kick in three of the last four games, in
the last quarter, and then stop as if shot...Is it tiredness, or is it
you're not fit?" Bloo coach Wayne Brittain said "We had a real good go
at it for four quarters. We kept applying ourselves to the process and
not worrying about the end result." Eh?

At Colonial:
Footscray  4.2   10.3   15.9   19.12.126
Hawthorn   6.5   14.7   17.9   24.11.155

The Horks continue to forge along, their current 5-0 record the best
start to a season by the club since. All without Nick Holland. They've
always had the promising big men, but now the running midfield is
looking good. On the other hand the Puppies' on-ball crew is proving
erratic at the minute. Just one team alteration in selection for the
Pups, back-pocket Adam Contessa in for rookie Lindsay Gilbee. The Hawks
made three changes, two forced with injuries to tall youngster Luke
McPharlin (groin) and centreman Tony Woods (hamstring). Steven Greene
was dropped. Replacements were Richard Vandenberg, Brett Johnson and
former Fitzroy and Footscray defender Matthew "Psychochicken" Dent,
given his Hawk debut.

Once again conditions were perfect under the Colonial roof, the playing
area newly re-surfaced during the week. Plenty of free scoring as both
sides looked to attack. Early on the Dogs led by 11 points with three of
the first four goals, each from uncontested marks to Luke Darcy, Brad
Johnson and Trent Bartlett. But the Hawks responded with five of the
next six sausages, backman Jade Rawlings found himself unopposed in
defence and picked up a welter of touches and rover Lance Picioane was
there to accept the rebounds. Ruckman Shaun Rehn started at CHF and had
9 touches in the first quarter. Rawlings and Picioane created a goal for
last week's hero, Aaron Lord, then Trent Croad used his speed to bag his
personal second. A Bulldog centre clearance allowed Nathan Brown to put
them in front again, but the canny John Barker kicked three consecutive
goals before quarter-time, the first from a free kick then two from
marks. The Hawkers threatened to run away with it in the second term as
their midfield dominated totally. Big boy Nathan Thompson swapped with
Rehn and opened the stanza with two quick goals, both from marks on the
lead and he missed another opportunity. From a throw-in rover Shane
Crawford did the rucking and tall man Croad did the roving, snapping his
third to send the Hawks 33 points clear. Bulldog forward (and former
Hawk) Paul Hudson briefly interrupted the one-way traffic, but Lord led,
marked and converted again, Rehn finally goaled following three misses,
Lord roved Jon Hay's long kick and snapped another. Horforn by 46 points
and the DribbleM commentators wrote the Dogs off. Wallace had rotated
his men furiously to no effect, the Bullies needed a break and received
one when Hawk Nathan Thompson was KO'd in a collision with teammate
Barker. Play was halted for six minutes while Thompson was stretchered
off, when it resumed the Pups got moving. A solo effort from Chris Grant
gave them a goal, Brad Johnson passed for Todd Curley to mark and
convert. Unfortunately for the Pups each was answered, by Barker and
Lord repectively and the 8-goal deficit remained. But the Dogs rattled
on the last three goals of the term to get back on track as they finally
won some midfield touches. Passes from Johnson and Scott West made
consecutive goals for Hudson, Jose Romero found Rohan Smith for a 55m
bomb and ended the 42-minute, 14-goal quarter.

The Dogs began the second half in stereotypical fashion. Craig Ellis
assaulted Barker (both were reported for wrestling) and Trent Bartlett
gave Mark Graham some verbals after he (Bartlett) booted an early goal.
With Brown and Ben Harrison working hard the Pups charged back into it,
kicking five of the next six goals. After the first two of those the
Hawks got one which had Bulldog coach Wallace fuming later. Bulldog Todd
Curley collided accidentally with umpire Nicholls about 30m away from
the ball. Nicholls awarded the Hawks a free kick, an easy shot for Rehn
which he converted. Nevertheless the Dogs scored the next four sausages,
the last of those a running slot from Harrison put the Doggies ahead by
a point. Questions asked of the Hawks and they had the answers. Ben
Dixon's attack on the ball in the centre and handpass to Croad allowed
the latter to gallop into the open goal. Another major came from
Picioane's handpass to Rehn and the Hawks had a 2-goal buffer going into
the final stanza. And thy romped away at the start of that term, Aaron
Lord bagged a couple and the excellent Jade Rawlings moved forward to
kick three of his own. Kingsley Hunter booted some late consolation for
the Dogs.

Jade Rawlings, a steady improver throughout his career to date, ended
with 22 disposals, 9 marks and 3 goals. Simon Cox played on him for a
bit, but Rawlings seemed opponent-free for most of it. Shaun Rehn
enjoyed his day for 22 possessions and 3 goals. He might be in
Hawthorn's team of next century. In the midfield Lance Picioane was
excellent, he didn't get much of a go in 2 years with the Camrys but is
enjoying his time with the Hawks, 24 disposals here. Daniel Chick played
a good containment role on Scott West, although West handled the ball 27
times he did little damage and Chick had 13 kicks with a goal. Winger
Joel Smith was handy with 17 touches. The Horks kicked heaps of goals,
Aaron Lord finished with 6 straight from 9 kicks, John Barker bagged 5
(11 kicks, 8 marks) and Trent Croad kicked 4 sausages from 14 touches.
Nathan Thompson ended with two majors. Despite Rehn's terrific form
Bulldog ruckman Luke Darcy also played well, 27 disposals, 8 marks and a
goal. Runner Nathan Brown was very good with 24 possessions and 3 goals.
But he didn't get a lot of help, West struggled with Chick's attention,
Jose Romero did a knee in the third quarter. Rohan Smith (17 kicks, 2
goals) and speedy Matthew Robbins (12 touches) weren't bad, Brad Johnson
kicked two goals but 8 possessions aren't enough. Paul Hudson booted 4
goals from 11 possies and Kingsley Hunter bagged 3 in the second half,
Trent Bartlett kicked 2 goals. "It is always a tough one to know, it
takes a lot of petrol to get back into a game, we have to ask the
question of ourselves why we are getting into those positions," said
Plough Wallace. He blamed the Curley/umpire collision free kick for
turning the momentum of the match. Hawk coach Peter Schwab said "I
thought in that third quarter we were in a fair bit of trouble, but we
have shown all year that we have really matured as a side, we have faced
every challenge." Indeed, they're going well.

At Football Park:
Adelaide         5.4   6.7   9.15   12.18.90
North Melbourne  1.4   6.7   8.10   10.15.75

Many scribes reckon the Roos are 'gorn' and this contest did nothing to
dispel the idea, their better players all performed reasonably but their
one glaring hole - on the ball - was ruthlessly exploited by the Cows
for a second consecutive win. Thus the Camrys went 2-3 after five,
compared to last years' 0-5. Goodonya Ayresey! In selection the Camrys
lost teenage half-backs Matthew Shir (groin) and Robert Shirley
(dropped), in came two big men in Andrew Crowell and ex-Roo Evan Hewitt
who was playing his first game for the Cows. It wasn’t wet so Sav Rocca
returned for the Kangas, along with another former Magpie in Rick
Olarenshaw. Olarenshaw was playing his first game in 18 months following
a series of hamstring injuries. Sadly, the hammys didn't hold up for
long. They replaced discarded pair Brady Rawlings and (surprisingly)
Shane Clayton. Kanga Jason McCartney played his 150th game.

The Crows started with a breeze. Former Roo Mark Stevens lined up on
Carey with Ben Hart at full-back on Big Sav. Ayresey placed Mark
Ricciuto at full-forward this week (Glenn Archer lined up on him) with
Hewitt alongside. The Corollas bounded out with Andrew McLeod energised
for a big game, supported by Simon Goodwin and Mark Bickley. McLeod
weaved beautifully through Norf defenders and slotted their first goal,
McLeod also bagged their fifth goal in near-identical fashion. Hewitt
and Kane Johnson kicked goals too and Peter Vardy roved one-handed and
kicked truly in the same motion. However Vardy's and Kane Johnson's
night ended early in the second quarter, Vardy doing a hamstring and
Johnson knocked senseless by a fierce Byron Pickett bump. Olarenshaw's
night lasted 3 minutes (and 4 possessions) before his hammy gave way
again. Carey inspired the Kangaroo komeback, he kicked two goals in the
term, one created by another frighteningly aggressive Pickett charge.
Brent Harvey, also very busy, steered one through on the run and David
King's long run ended in a handpass to Shannon Grant, he converted.
Scores level at the half. Ayresey swung a masterstroke in the third term
by moving tap specialist Matthew Clarke into the ruck, he did very well
and McLeod and Goodwin redoubled their efforts. In fact Goodwin had a
massive 15 disposals (11 kicks, 4 handballs) for the quarter. Bryan
Beinke came off the bench to play CHF and kick a goal and Nigel Smart
bagged one from a gutsy mark, but generally the Cressidas wasted their
ascendency with poor goalshooting with Smart one of the chief culprits.
Late in the term Carey (who else?) goaled to keep the Kangas in range.
McLeod passed to Beinke at the start of the final term and the Crow
converted, but soon Sav Rocca roved a throw-in and snapped a major for
Norf, then Jess Sinclair goaled and the Roos were within 4 points. At
the restart following Sinclair's goal Cow Clarke tapped perfectly to
McLeod, his forward punt was marked by Beinke who punted truly. Both
sides pressed doggedly before the Camrys' Chris Ladhams marked 55m out.
Ladhams toyed with the man on the mark before a baulk, play-on and long
goal. Aderlayed by 17 points, Norf still had chances but McKernan and
Harvey missed. The Cows had won again. On the way off Carey had an
altercation with some crowd members and allegedly spat at them, an
allegation flatly denied by the man himself and the Norf officials.

The Camrys' following division were the difference, All-Australian
half-back Simon Goodwin had 34 disposals (25 kicks) in an excellent game
and Andrew McLeod played his best game of the season to date with 28
disposals (20 kicks) and 2 goals. They were well-supported by Mark
Bickley (24 touches) and all three benefitted from the work of ruckman
Matthew Clarke, his classy tapwork and 13 disposals. Bryan Beinke did
something up forward, something that rarely happens in the Crow attack
by kicking 3 goals in the second half from 6 marks and 7 kicks. Darren
Jarman started on half-back again but moved into the centre for 16 handy
disposals, Evan Hewitt kicked 2 goals. Small forward Tyson Edwards was
busy with 19 possies. That number 18 bloke for the Sydneyroos is playing
on one leg but he's still very dangerous, he kicked 4 goals including
their first three from 15 kicks and 8 marks. Brent Harvey ran a lot in
gathering 21 disposals (18 kicks) but scored 1.4, not the best return.
Winger David King was useful with 17 possessions, Glenn Archer kept
Ricciuto quiet and had 15 touches himself, Mick Martyn was back to his
stifling best. And McCartney played well in his milestone game, 14
possessions and 9 marks. Shannon Grant kicked 2 goals. Norf are good
when they get the ball. They just can't get it enough. "When our
midfielders are on song and winning contested ball and making the
opposition second in the contest, we're a chance," said Pagan. "But our
rucks didn't have good games - we were taken apart there - and their
midfielders had too much possession. They ripped us apart." Yep. Gary
Ayres introduced new terminology. "We probably dropped off a bit in that
second quarter with what I could probably say is the crack factor. If we
don't crack in real hard, a side like North Melbourne will get the loose
balls, which they did...in the second half I thought we really should
have made a better fist of it, considering the conversion rate wasn't
what we would like. But to come away with a win against them, the first
time in something like six years here, was a very important follow-up
from last week." Crack factor, fists - what sort of videos does Gary
watch?

At the Gabba:
Brisbane   3.4   9.9   12.15   25.21.171
Fremantle  6.2   8.4   15.6     19.8.122

Ah, Fremantle. Each week they find a new way to lose, this time
converting a 9-point lead at three-quarter time into a 49-point defeat
as they were buried under an avalanche of Lion goals in the last
quarter. Brisbane's 13.6 was the sixth-best final term in history.
Perhaps the draining effects on the Dokkers of The Longest Trip In
Football. They've a history of final-quarter capitulation at the Gabba.
Brisbane applied the razor in selection, dropping Craig Bolton, Daniel
Bradshaw, Martin Pike and Nathan Clarke. They had some handy players
returning though, Chris Scott, Luke Power, Craig McRae and a
first-gamer, 18-year-old ruckman Jamie Charman from QAFL team Northern
Eagles. The Dockulators made two enforced changes, out went forward
Clive Waterhouse with a hamstring strain and Brad Wira with a broken
hand. Two blokes came in for their first games of the season, Troy
Longmuir and Brad Dodd.

The Dockers started quickly, for a change. Peter Bell amassed 14
possessions in the first term, 8 kicks and 6 handpasses, and along with
the Troy Cook (9 touches) and winger Heath Black (10) they provided so
many opportunities for the Freo forwards even they had to do something,
and score they did through Matthew Pavlich, Dan Bandy and Brad Dodd.
Lion veteran Alistair Lynch was playing full-forward this week and
nailed two late goals to get Brisbane going. In the second term Bell was
slowed by the attentions of Ben Robbins and the Lions did some
attacking, via Mick Voss and the rangy Tim Notting. Luke Power kicked a
couple of goals, Lynch scored another and the Lions improved enough  to
go in 11 points up at the long break. That lead extended to 23 points at
one stage in the third quarter, but the Dockulators fought back. With
Pavlich and now Paul Hasleby kicking some goals, they grabbed the lead
by the final break. During the third term Docker defender Anthony Jones
was forced off with a shoulder injury, didn't see the incident but coach
Damien Drum was fuming about it afterwards. For the final quarter Lion
coach Matthews swung Jason Akermanis into the centre and benched big,
lumbering forwards Lynch and Jon Brown for Michael Voss (CHF) and Chris
Scott (FF). Akermanis (10 disposals in the final quarter) and Notting
(12 in the same period) were largely responsible for what followed.
Still, Fremantle kept pace early and were leading by 3 points 12 minutes
into the last quarter. Nigel Lappin slotted a goal to put Brisbane in
front and precipitated a blast of seven goals in ten minutes. Chris
Scott bagged a couple from close in and Tim Notting booted a pair too,
one rollin' and tumblin' through from 80m away. Goals came from
everywhere and the Dockers were powerless to stop them. Drummy's only
reported comment was "Somewhere along the line we obviously took our
foot off the pedal." Hmm.

Matthews credited Jason Akermanis with initiating the comeback, he ended
the game with 31 disposals (20 kicks) and 3 goals in an excellent
performance. Since Craig Lambert retired, 'Aker' has made himself even
uglier to compensate. Lanky Tim Notting played the best game of his
career to date, booting 4 goals to cap off his 31 possessions from a
wing. Goalsneak Luke Power was very good with 18 touches and 2 goals,
Chris Scott was solid at both ends of the ground with 24 handlings, 8
marks and 2 goals. And of course we've gotta mention
centreman/ruck-rover/forward/everything Michael Voss (24 disposals, a
goal). Wingman Nigel Lappin gave his best performance for a while with 3
goals from his 30 possies. Despite being benched in the final term, Al
Lynch still managed to boot 5 goals from 5 kicks, 4 marks and Craig
McRae bagged 2 goals in his comeback game. Ruckman Beau McDonald won the
hitouts comfortably. For the Dockers Peter Bell won a hefty 36
possessions and kicked a goal, despite the efforts of Robbins. Defensive
rebounder Matthew Carr racked up touches again, 26 of them with 8 marks.
In attack Matthew Pavlich was back to form with 4 goals, 3 goals came
from Paul Hasleby's 19 touches and Dan Bandy was an effective forward
with 3 goals also, Bandy also took 10 marks and had 21 disposals. Not
much else to be said for them though, Heath Black had 30 disposals but
didn't use them well enough. Justin Longmuir and Brad Dodd kicked 2
goals each. Brisbane coach Lethal Leigh said "Jason (Akermanis) was
excellent, he was giving us some run and impetus all game. When we put
him in the centre square in the last quarter he was the one who broke
the game open."

At Kardinia Park:
Geelong        3.5    6.7    8.8    15.12.102
Port Adelaide  3.4   11.5   19.10   23.10.148

Folks over here are starting to take the Power seriously as they turned
on another impressive performance, away from home this time against the
disappointing Cats. The Flowers' running, speed of hand and foot and
multi-pronged attack did for the Cats, as they have done for a number of
others so far. In picking the Cats regained stalwart Garry Hocking and
forward Cameron Mooney, they replaced dropped pair James Rahilly and
Adam Houlihan. Just one change for the Power, Nathan Steinberner in for
Scott Bassett.

Much drier underfoot at Kardinia Park this weekend. The first quarter
was close because the croweaters messed around with the ball too much,
continually chipping wide and short as they have done on previous away
journeys. Nevertheless the game opened with a Matt Primus tap, Nick
Stevens clearance and running goal to Che Cockatoo-Collins in a sign of
things to come. Cat forward Cameron Mooney marked and converted to level
the scores. In-form Port centreman Stevens was injured early, a nice
knee in the thigh from Glenn Kilpatrick effectively ending his day. But
they seemed in control, Gavin Wanganeen had two long shots just touched
on the line and Stuart Dew, playing at full-forward, missed a couple.
Finally Josh Carr got on target following a strong pack mark. Garry
Hocking missed twice for the Cats before a nice Steven King tap-on sent
Ronnie Burns in for a close-range goal. Geelong led by 2 points. Then
Port's Peter Burgoyne, moved onto the ball in Stevens's absence, passed
to leading Dew who kicked straight. Jason Mooney grabbed the
quarter-time lead for Geelong, booting a goal after doing his own
roving. Port opened the second quarter with two goals, "Hanging" Chad
Cornes initiated the first with a strong mark on the wing, the ball went
via Josh Francou to the goalsquare where Warren Tredrea roved. For the
next Tredrea played a one-two with Wanganeen and kicked long, Dew won a
free kick for holding against skinny David Clarke. Not the best match-up
for the Cats, that one. Geelong hit back quickly, Port backman Adam
Kingsley was palpably caught in possession and Justin Murphy free-kicked
the goal, Kilpatrick's good handball sent Hocking in for a running goal
and the Cats were back in front, by a point. The Flowers kicked the next
six goals with relentless running and pinpoint delivery. Tredrea and
Cockatoo-Collins combined to deliver Jarrad Schofield the first of
those, from the ensuing centre-bounce Primus thumped the ball forward,
Dew swept upon it and blasted one of them trademark 55m bombs. Port went
forward from the next centre bounce too, Schofield was grabbed high and
free-kicked his second. A chain of handpasses from Wanganeen to Fabian
Francis to Tredrea saw big Wozza boot one, then another centre clearance
and tough mark and another goal for Tredrea. Primus was going  like a
steam train at the centre bounce, he and Steven King had a great,
old-time battle. Fists weren't always aimed at the ball. Port full-back
Darryl Wakelin snuck forward, marked and passed for Michael Wilson to
convert. Port led by 35 points and King punched Primus in the head at a
throw-in, from that Ben Graham's handpass sent Clint Bizzell in for a
much-needed Geelong goal.

But things were no different for the Cats after the long break. Didn't
see any of the second half but Port went on their merry way, Dew kicked
some more goals including one where he kicked out from full-back, ran
the length of the field to receive a handpass and drill it home.
Schofield kicked some more goals too, from all sorts of angles, and at
one stage the Port lead blew out to 80 points. Geelong defenders Darren
Milburn and Matthew Scarlett engaged in a competiton to give away 50m
penalties, Scarlett was also reported by two umpires for striking Port
ruckman Cain Ackland. Kardinia Park wasn’t a happy place by the final
change, the Cat barrackers are amongst the best in the leeg for getting
on their own players’ backs. (Yes, I know, the Tigers' are up there
too). But at least the Cats roused themselves to kick 7 goals to 4 in
the final quarter, Murphy and Graham with a couple each while David
Spriggs did a little bit in a thrashed Geelong midfield.

About a year ago an overweight Stuart Dew was running around in the
Snaffle while his Port teammates were being thumped every week, but now
Dew's back and firing. Stuie booted 6 goals from his 19 disposals and
was very good. Equally effective was centreman Jarrad Schofield, I'd
thought him a receiver who rarely bothers to man up but when you kick 5
goals and have 30 disposals, who's gonna complain? Warren Tredrea
continued his recent form with 18 disposals, 5 marks and 4 goals as a
roving CHF while fellow forward Chad Cornes took 11 marks and kicked a
goal, although as many modern forwards do he ventured out onto the wing
a lot. In defence Brett Montgomery was cool and steady with 28
possessions, ably supported by Adam Kingsley (15 disposals) on Ronnie
Burns and Michael Wilson (24 touches, a goal). Matthew Primus's tapping
was great. Gav Wanganeen and Che Cockatoo-Collins kicked 2 goals each.
Geelong’s best player and only midfield winner was Justin Murphy, 30
disposals, 6 marks and 3 goals for the former Blue and Tiger. Lamky Joel
Corey worked hard off a half-back flank for 13 touches, also in defence
Tom Harley (on Cockatoo-Collins) and Brenton Sanderson (on Wanganeen)
could be happy with their disciplined efforts. But there wasn't much
else to excite, apart from King's battle with Primus, King had 24
disposals and 9 marks. Hocking, Burns and Ben Graham kicked 2 goals
each, Graham the target of some irate Cat fans. "Yes, I am very
disappointed," began Bomber Thompson. "And I think the players are very
disappointed. The last two defeats, by Melbourne and North Melbourne I
could tolerate, but today we were outclassed by a pretty good
opposition." Mark Williams said "I was really impressed the way our
players played today. It's really difficult coming down here. Geelong
had lost the past two games so it was always going to be tough."
Williams went on to compare Dew to Peter Daicos. Steady on, Willo.

At the MCG:
Melbourne  4.3   10.7   13.9    18.11.119
Sydney     5.4    6.9   10.12   15.14.104

Lively Demon forward Russell Robertson soared for an absolute screamer
three minutes into time-on of the last quarter, kicked a goal to put
Melbourne in front and went on to boot another to help snatch victory
from the battling Swans. Excited Dee fans spilled onto the ground after
the siren to celebrate the last-gasp win, their second of the season
after a similar effort over the Crows. In selection the Dees made one
change, dropping rookie Darren Jolly and recalling ruck-rover Simon
Godfrey. The Swans have some injury trouble, with Leo Barry (knee
ligaments) and Rowan Warfe (dislocated shoulder) set for lengthy
absences. They join Greg Stafford, Paul Kelly and Dale Lewis on the
lengthy Swan injured list. In addition Troy Luff felt the axe, along
with Stephen Doyle. Coming in were Jason Ball, ruckman Simon Feast,
defender Ryan O'Keefe and wingman Jon Stevens.

Melbourne scored a goal from the opening bounce, Shane Woewodin's kick
marked splendidly by David Neitz at full-forward. Neitz went on to kick
three more goals in the next twelve minutes, each from a terrific mark.
But the Swannies came back thanks to the athleticism of big Adam Goodes
in the ruck and the on-ground work of Matthew Nicks, Wayne Schwass and
Daryn Cresswell. Dunkley tightened up on Neitz. By the second term
though, Melbourne were back in the driver's seat. Siddey ruckman Simon
Feast had injured a shoulder but boxed on, nevertheless the Dees took
charge in the middle. The in-form Daniel Ward and seemingly
opponent-less Steven Febey did the damage, in attack David Schwarz and
Jeff "The Wizard" Farmer cut loose. Schwarz booted an early goal and
then Farmer kicked three. He also split the sticks two other times, but
one was disallowed for a Swan free kick, the other called back when the
umpire didn’t allow an advantage.  As Farmer sped into goal for another
shot his hamstring snapped, ending his game. Back pocket Nathan Brown
had already done a hammy. But goals from Adem Yze and another for Neitz,
plus poor misses from Swans Maxfield, Saddington and Willliams, gave
Melbourne a handy break at half time. The Swans came out re-invigorated
for the second half, led by Jude Bolton in the centre. Early goals for
running Stuart Maxfield and Paul Williams got the Swans back into the
contest. Another Demon stepped up to do their scoring, Paul Wheatley off
the bench for two goals, but the Swans kept plugging on and stayed
within 15 points at the final change. Robertson kicked his first goal of
the day in the first minute of the last quarter, extending the Dee lead
to 21 points. However the Swans had been the better side since half-time
and pressed on. Nicks had gone to full forward and snaggled a goal, Mick
O'Loughlin snapped one, Cresswell narrowed the gap to 3 points. Another
Nicks sausage put the visitors in front, then Brett Kirk extended the
lead to 10 points. Things were looking good. But a defensive mix-up saw
Robertson kick another goal. From the next centre-bounce the Swans
cleared, Maxfield dropped an uncontested mark and handballed wildly
under pressure. The Dees' Simon Godfrey grabbed it, passed to Wheatley,
his high kick hovered over Swan Gerrard Bennett - RRRRROBERRTSONNNN
soared for his speccie and converted to put Melbourne back ahead. And
Robbo wasn't finished, booting another goal a minute later before Neitz
punted the sealer. Joe Gutnick, who sat with the cheer squad for most of
the game, ran on to celebrate with the Dee faithful.

Although Russ Robertson was Melbourne's match-winner - 10 kicks, 6
marks, 4 last-quarter goals - proper praise belongs to the much-improved
Daniel Ward (24 disposals) and untagged  flanker Steven Febey (also 24
disposals). On the wing Adem Yze shaded Schwass with 23 possessions (18
kicks) and 2 goals, in the centre Andrew Leoncelli also had 23
handlings. David Neitz finished with 6 goals from 12 kicks and 7 marks
at full-forward and in defence Alistair Nicholson continued his solid
form on either Jason Ball or Adam Goodes. Jeff Farmer kicked 3 goals
from 10 touches and Paul Wheatley finished with 2 goals. For the Swans
Matthew Nicks battled hard, winning 17 disposals in the centre in the
first half, then moving to full forward to kick 2 goals after apparently
straining a thigh. He ended with 23 disposals altogether. He was
admirably assisted in the midfield by Jon Stevens (20 touches, 2 goals),
Jude Bolton (also 20 disposals and one goal) and ageless Daryn Cresswell
(21 touches, a goal). Adam Goodes was dangerous early and continued to
play alright throughout, he kicked 2 goals and had 16 possies, 5 marks.
Jared Crouch was a handy rover with 26 handlings. Rodney Eade always
thinks the Swans should have won. "It's certainly one that got away.
There must have been four or five times we had chances and didn't take
them," he said. Neale Daniher was pretty happy. "If they (his players)
didn't have what they've got, we could easily be one and four. What do
you say? It's just the beauty of a collection of human beings who decide
they want to do something." Gosh. I thought it was the beauty of tiring
Swans who blew it...