AFL Round 22

Much of this week's final home-and-away report comes to you from tropical
northern Queensland, where I've had to rely on The Australian newspaper for 
much info - the erroneously-named broadsheet doesn't go in for informative
match-reports, so bear with me. While I spend the days sun-baking and drinking
beer. I'll be back in Football HQ for the finals.

At the MCG:
Collingwood  3.3   5.7   9.9   12.11.83
Essendon     1.3   6.7   8.9    9.13.67

Very good win for the Poise, securing second spot and a home final to go along
with their double-chance. Then again they'll play the Lions next week, who've
beaten them twice this season. Meanwhile the Dons finished eighth and face a
sudden-death final in Perth, not the best scenario for a side with one win 
from their last eleven interstate contests. Some fun in the build-up as Pie tagger
Brodie Holland was suspended two games for an off-the-ball punch on Swan Paul
Williams last Saturday night. First up not-at-all compromised Pie president Ed
McGuire attacked Channel Ten for the TV footage of the incident, Ed alleged 
Ten had omitted 'provocation' by Williams. Following the tribunal's verdict, 
Holland was savaged as 'the new Liberatore', a dirty, violent tagger and others
suggested his punishment was too lenient. The AFL even considered appealing to
the tribunal to have Holland's suspension increased, wisely they decided
against. So in selection the Pies had to replace Holland, they also axed 
Jarrod Molloy and Mark McGough again. Youth was called upon in Richard Cole, Ben
Kinnear and Dane Swan. The Bommers welcomed the return of defenders Sean 
Wellman and Dustin Fletcher, out went juniors Ted Richards and Shane Harvey.

The reduced-capacity 'G was sold out and 68,381 were present on another of 
them windy nights, the north wind which renders kicking in general and for goal in
particular a lottery. The pressure was high and contests intense in the early
going. As things eventuated it was easier to kick for goal at the 'Gap' or
Jolimont end of the ground than the Punt Road end, the Pies were going 
Jolimont to start with. Their Scott Burns missed a simple shot and Andrew Williams 
had a banana-shot touched off-the-boot, but at the other end set-shots from Bommers
Damian Cupido and Dean Rioli were blown spectacularly off-course. Eighteen
minutes in the Dons scored the opening goal when a busy James Hird punted 
long, Mark McVeigh ran into space and stabbed it home from point-blank. The Pies
proceeded to win the centre-clearance, an area in which they thrashed the Dons
all night. Shane Woewodin (good) and Chris Tarrant combined to send Nathan
Buckley away for an accurate snap. Kicks from Woewodin also led to the Pies'
other first-term majors, the first, high lob saw advantage paid after Josh
Fraser was clattered, Shane O'Bree kicked the sausage. Then Woewodin picked 
out Anthony Rocca on the lead, Rocca smacked a flukey but amazing punt 55m from 
the boundary-line for full-points. The Dons were being beaten in the midfield, but
some tough, flooding defence and rebounding was keeping them alive. Early 
in the second stanza Pie Fraser was unlucky to be penalised for 'bawl', Rioli chipped
the free-kick to Dean Solomon who belted an excellent goal from in front of 
the Member's Stand. A Pie error led to the next Bummer goal, Rocca's lazy kick
forward went directly to Rioli who set up the rebounding attack, Hird 
kicked to the goal-square were Danny Jacobs majored to level the scores. Mistakes were
punished heavily in this game. A tight few minutes followed before Rocca 
picked out Buckley with a nice pass. Buckley's shot on the windswept Punt Rd goal 
just missed, although Pie fans were certain it didn't. The Dons muffed the kick-in
however and good pack-battling from Scott Burns saw him get a handpass away to
Ryan Lonie, who snapped a goal. A minute later Shane Woewodin roved a throw-in
and his hurried snap squeezed between defender and post for a sausage. The 
Pies led by 13 points, yet the Dons stormed home in the final seven minutes of the
stanza. A Heath Scotland turnover allowed Adam McPhee to gather the ball and
slot a nice major, then a series of Don handpasses ended with Dean Rioli 
hooking the ball to the goal-square. Matthew Lloyd failed to hold a one-handed marking
attempt, but slapped the ball goal-wards, shook off opponent Shane Wakelin and
soccered it through. Marvellous 'improv' and the Dons were a point down. A
Solomon behind levelled the scores before a slick Bommer move ended with Jason
Johnson centering the ball, Ben Haynes gathered on the bounce and wobbled a 
shot for full points. Dons by a goal at half-time.

The big game continued close and tough in the third term. Early on Scott Burns
out-stretched James Hird to mark and convert, levelling the scores again. Pie
full-back Shane Wakelin limped off early in the stanza with a groin problem,
sure enough Matthew Lloyd was soon kicking a goal after marking Rioli's low 
kick in the goal-square. Then the Maggies drew level again, Chris Tarrant came on a
long lead. His pass, intended for Rocca, held up terribly in the wind but
dropped neatly for Shane O'Bree. The Pie rover chipped a pass for Richard Cole
to mark and convert from close range. A behind had the Pies in front by that
amount, but the Dons took the kick-in downfield. Ben Haynes punted for busy 
CHF Dean Solomon, he spilled a with-the-flight marking attempt but managed to 
run on and soccer a major anyway. Dons by 5 points. The Pies won another
centre-clearance after that Solomon goal, leading to a tight-angle miss from
Burns. But Bummer full-back Fletcher mongrelled the kick-in directly to
Woewodin, who returned the ball for a sausage. Another error punished fully as
the Pies led by 2 points. The Pies managed consecutive goals after Bommer
McVeigh was caught in possession, O'Bree dished off a handpass for running
Buckley to spear it through. Jason Johnson missed a late chance, leaving the
Pies in front by a goal exactly at the final change. Still too close to call,
early in the final Mario the Dons had a coupla shots but missed both, 
including a poor effort from ruckman David Hille. Good work from Rocca made an 
opportunity for Josh Fraser, he missed too. But a minute later Fraser grabbed a 
throw-in and whipped a great snap through for a goal, sending the Poise 11 points clear. 
The Bombouts conjured their response from a throw-in, Jason Johnson roved and 
fired a handpass for Ben Haynes to snap a goal. The Scragpie lead was back to 5
points, but they lifted now. Alan 'Sharpie' Didak held a good mark on the 
flank and kicked to the 'square, Rocca leaped to clutch a big pack-mark and punt
truly. A minute later Chris Tarrant came racing out to chest-mark Heath
Scotland's kick, to the great delight of disgracefully biassed McGuire. 
Tarrant goaled, sending the Poise 17 points ahead - the largest lead either side had
enjoyed, with 4 minutes remaining. Some solid defending from the very good 
Jason Cloke, combined with a bit of keepings-off, ran the clock down until the siren
heralded a key Pie victory.

The Pies were clear winners in the middle, where Nathan Buckley had 27 touches
and also bagged 2 goals. He was opposed by Damien Peverill and Jim Hird,
occcasionally. Ruckman Josh Fraser (18 disposals, a goal) played very well and
won hit-outs, Shane Woewodin (23 disposals, 2 goals) won many 
centre-clearances and played arguably his best game for the Poise, Paul Licuria (23 touches)
wasn't bad either. The Magpiss also prevailed in defence, where Jason Cloke 
was excellent with 12 marks and 19 possies. He received good support from James
Clement (14 touches) and Ben Johnson (9 touches), Shane Wakelin did well on
Lloyd for the time he was there. Chris Tarrant worked hard in attack for 9
marks, 22 disposals and a goal, Anthony Rocca bobbed up at opportune times 
with 5 marks, 13 touches and 2 goals. The Dons had three stand-outs in James 
Hird (27 disposals), attacking half-back Dean Rioli (24 possies) and hard-working CHF
Dean Solomon (4 marks, 15 disposals, 2 goals). The Don back-line was quite 
good in general, with Dustin Fletcher (15 kicks) and Scott Lucas (14 touches) the
best. They struggled midfield, with Jason Johnson (22 disposals) the only
prominent member. The game did underline how much the Dons rely on Matty Loyd
for goals, Lloydy managed 2 majors from 12 touches, just 2 marks. Ben Haynes
kicked 2 goals, but Cupido was well-held by Ben Johnson and other Dons that 
used to kick goals, like Hird, Mercuri, a Johnson or two, don't seem to anymore. 
"We mightn't have the best players in the competition, in terms of talent, but no
team tries harder. We've learned a lot since last year and I think we're a
better team," said Mick Malthouse. Kev Sheedy said "The reality is we've
finished eighth, which mightn't be the best position but considering where we
were, twelfth or something eight weeks ago, it's been a decent effort from 
this team."

At Kardinia Park:
Geelong    0.2   4.7   9.11   12.12.84
St. Kilda  2.3   3.6   5.7     9.11.65

Victorious end to a disappointing season for the Cats. Geelong were playing 
for a spot in the finals at this time last year, but one win in their first nine
ended any notions this season. There's a theory around to say the Cats were
unlucky this season, they lost several close games, beat the top side and were
competitive nearly every week. A case in point is their largest loss for the
year, by 47 points against Collingwood in round 3, where they led at
three-quarter time. However the Cats were also beaten twice by the Bulldogs 
and nothing can alter the fact theirs is the second-weakest attack in the 
league on aggregate points (ahead of the hopeless Blues). Bomber Thompson is still
searching for a decent key forward. The Saints would appear to have a very
bright future, up from fifteenth to tenth this year and unearthing some great
youngsters in Luke Ball and Brendon Goddard. Others like Nick Riewoldt, Xavier
Clarke, Nick Dal Santo and Lenny Hayes only enhanced their reputations. The
Saints did cop some flak for their decision to change captains every season,
meaning this game signalled an end to the role for the best captain the club's
had in years, Aaron Hamill. For their final game the Cats regained Jarad Rooke
and James Rahilly and called up James Bartel and 19-year-old Tim Callan for 
his AFL debut, Callan's dad played for the Cats. And they made a late change to
bring in Aaron Lord, the muscular small forward was retiring on the 
occasion of his 150th game. Carrying a famous Geelong name, Lord started with the Cats in
1994 but played his best footy in a 5-year stint with Hawthorn between 1997 
and 2001. Henry Playfair dropped out for Lord, also dropped were Kent Kingsley,
David Clarke, David Spriggs and Brent Moloney. The rampaging Saints called up
Justin Peckett, at the expense of Allan Murray.

A wet and windy day in Sleepy Hollow, although the rain largely held off
following an early downpour. The Saints started the game as they had their
previous four, dominating possession and storming ceaselessly into their
attacking fifty. The gusting cross-field breeze and the Cats' flooding defence
made it hard for the Stains to score though. Cat Cameron Ling was hammered
(legally) at the opening bounce and spent the next few minutes trying to
square-up with any Saint within range, eventually conceding a free-kick and 
goal to Stephen Powell. The Cats were usually too cute with the ball in difficult
conditions and turned-over often. Such an effort - a kick directly to Aussi
Jones - led to the next goal as Jones chipped a pass for Fraser Gehrig, who
slotted an excellent kick from the boundary-line. Saints by 13 points about 
ten minutes in, that was almost the scoring done for the quarter apart from some
late behinds to Cat Ben Graham and Saint Rob Harvey. During the quarter-time
break Cat coach Thompson exhorted his men to go direct and long, which they
proceeded to do. Following an early Hamill miss, good work from Cat man Darren
Milburn got the ball to Graham, he handpassed for Brenton Sanderson to snap 
the Cats' first sausage. Milburn and James Kelly missed shots, the latter after a
clever one-handed mark, as the Cats started to go well. Ling was switched onto
Harvey, successfully. Stakilda responded after Gehrig had a flailing 
soccer-kick at a ball near the boundary, it dropped neatly for Jason Blake to collect and
snap truly. The Saints led by 10 points. The Catters were up and running now
though, James Kelly won a softish free for being held by Brendon Goddard and
majored, then a Saint error saw the Cats attack again. Peter Riccardi 
mis-kicked an attempted banana-shot but Saint full-back Max Hudghton spilled his marking
effort, allowing David Wojcinski to snap a goal and put Geelong in front. And
they extended it before half-time, a poor Sainter kick-in saw Cat Steve 
Johnson pounce on the ball and set off for goal, only to be ridden down in a tackle 
from Big Matt Maguire. Free-kick and goal for Johnson, the Geelers led by 7 
points at the long break.

For the third stanza the Saints moved the struggling Gehrig out to CHF and 
Nick Riewoldt went to the spearhead position. But the Cats carried on, Ben Graham
kicked a long point, the Saint kick-in fell to Riccardi who punted it back and
James Kelly roved to snap it through from the goal-square. A few minutes later
Graham punted long again, Gary Ablett Jnr ran onto the bouncing ball and 
snapped it through thanks to Steve Johnson's shepherd. From a ball-up big Cat rucker
Peter Street tapped the ball nicely for Johnson to collect and dob another
sausage, three straight majors for Geelong and they led by 27 points. The 
tired Saints were being beaten to the ball, a solo effort from Aussi Jones capped 
by a great left-foot goal halted the Cat run, then a soft free kick against Street
gifted Robert Harvey a goal - Street had marked the ball but gave Harvey a
gentle nudge in the head afterwards, Harvs went down as if garrotted. Saints
back within 14 points but the Catters kicked away again, Corey Enright 
collected a Stain turnover and found Riccardi, his hooked kick to the goals bobbled 
about before Charlie Gardiner soccered it through. Gary Ablett Jnr streamed away 
from the subsequent centre-bounce and unleashed a long shot which bounced through,
the Cats led by 27 points at the final change. The last quarter was tight 
for a bit, about six minutes in veteran Saint Andrew Thompson kicked long towards
Gehrig and his opponent Matthew Scarlett, but the ball cleared 'em and bounced
through for a goal. The Satins drew closer after Lenny Hayes roved a 
ball-up and threaded a handpass for Leigh Fisher to bag a goal. The door was ajar as the
Saints trailed by 14 points again, they had the next scoring chance when 
XavierClarke was tackled high. The ump allowed advantage but Hayes missed a snap 
from all of 20m, no angle. Sure enough the Cats took the kick-in the length of
Kardinia Park, via Gardiner and Ablett, for Ben Graham to thump a 50m-goal.
Ablett followed up immediately with another sausage, a Cat centre-clearance
followed and Kelly led onto the flank to mark and centre the ball, Gardiner
majored. The Cats led by 34 points, they were home. Aussi Jones and Brett Voss
booted the final two, irrelevant goals - perhaps not for Voss, it was his 
first goal of the season.

Geelong were led from the middle where Darren Milburn played very well for 22
possessions and 8 marks. He tracked Riewoldt early and reverted to half-back
when the blonde Saint went to full-forward. Aggressive Cameron Ling (21 
possies) curbed Harvey's influence after quarter-time and James Kelly showed some of 
his ability with 16 touches and 2 goals from a forward flank. Gary Ablett Jnr (13
possies, 3 goals) also confirmed his progress this season. Ruckman Peter 
Street did well with 47 hitouts and 10 disposals, although it's an area of the 
game in which the Saints are weak. Nugetty midfielder Paul Chapman (17 possies) and
half-back Corey Enright (15 touches) were good, Matthew Scarlett (16 
touches, 9 marks) held Gehrig to one goal, with help - Gehrig was rarely one-out with
Scarlett. Steve Johnson and Charlie Gardiner kicked 2 goals each. The Saints'
best were the hard-working half-back Austinn 'Aussi' Jones (25 disposals 
with 22 kicks, 2 goals) and tireless ruck-rover Lenny Hayes (31 disposals). Veteran
centreman Robert Harvey (24 touches, a goal) started brilliantly but was 
curbed by Ling, Stephen Powell won plenty of the ball (28 possies, a goal) but wasn't
that effective. Slaps it on the boot too much. Nick Riewoldt improved after
shifting forward to end with 10 marks and 19 disposals, Andrew Thompson (20
disposals, a goal) might've been playing for his career, he wasn't too bad.
First-year man Brendon Goddard (15 touches) played well again, he's going 
to be alright. Aaron Hamill (14 disposals, 5 marks) battled in his usual manner 
across half-forward. Haven't any coach's quotes to hand, on TV Grant Thomas said 
words to the effect that while happy with general progress this season, the 
particular game had been an indicator of further improvement required. Bomber Thompson
expressed disappointment with the Cats' year, but hoped their record of four
wins and a draw from the final nine games indicated improvement next season.

At the MCG:
Melbourne  3.1   5.4   6.5     9.6.60
Sydney     1.1   3.5   6.9   14.10.94

Demon president Gabriel Szondy announced his resignation at the pre-game
function. A widely-expected move ending what's been a miserable season for the
Demons, after they played in the finals last year. The Demons have skilful
players but lack commitment and belief, along with a host of individual
problems. Confidence drained as the results failed to come. In this game the
Dees kicked directly to their opponents so often it must've been 
deliberate. At least in losing this one they earned a priority draft pick. The Swans' 

victory gained them a double-chance and the dubious honour of an away final against 
Port next week - still, not a bad achievement for a side most experts predicted to
finish in the bottom three at the season's beginning. Sadly they'll be without
form forward Michael O'Loughlin for their finals campaign, he strained a
hamstring late in the game after bagging five goals. In selection here the 
Dees recalled the maligned Travis Johnstone at the expense of junior Jarad Rivers.
The Bloods called up veteran Brad Seymour and ruckman Stephen Doyle for their
first games of the season. They replaced axed pair Heath James and James
Meiklejohn.

The Dees had a dip early and booted the first three goals, from David Neitz,
Brad Green and the busy Adem Yze. Lurking Adam Schneider managed the lethargic
Bloods' only goal of the first stanza. Early in the second Adem Yze drove a 
low kick forward, intended for Neitz but Scott Thompson chipped in to hold a 
strong grab and punt the Dees into a 16-point lead. The Swans responded as Brett 
'James T' Kirk chipped a kick for Ben Mathews to hold a with-the-flight mark, play on
and steer it through. But the Dees had the answer with a running Nathan Brown
sausage, they led by 15 points. Swan Seymour came on for his first run and
showed an energy unique amongst the half-asleep Swannies, kicking a coupla
behinds. A long Daryn Cresswell kick led to Mick O'Loughlin snapping truly 
from the goal-square, the Dees had some late opportunities but Simon Godfrey 
postered and a Neitz shot was blown off-target. Thus ended a lacklustre first half, the
Dees leading by 11 points.

Paul Roos must've fired his lads during the break, they were a lot keener 
in the second half. Plenty of early possession and time spent in their attacking half
brought Siddey a series of behinds and missed opportunities against the stoic
Dee defence. The Bloods attacked again when Cresswell shot a handpass out for
O'Loughlin running 'round the flank, O'Loughlin sliced a clever pass with the
outside of his right foot for Paul Williams to mark and convert. That reduced
the Demon lead to a point. The Dees began to crack under pressure, a 
frustrated, flailing Neitz conceded a free-kick, Steven Armstrong weighed in to give 
away a 50m penalty leading to a goal for O'Loughlin. Dee winger Daniel Ward 
speared the ball directly to Swan Ryan O'Keefe, the Swan man passed for leading O'Loughlin
again to mark and convert, the Bloods led by 11 points. Late in the term Demon
Luke Williams booted a major to keep 'em alive at the final break, trailing 
by 4 points. But it was against the tide. O'Loughlin was active in the Swan
forward-line, now he was joined by Nick Davis and Barry Hall. Hall's handpass
sent Davis away for the first goal of the final term, direct from the restart
Davis bagged another and the Swans led by 16 points. James McDonald, arguably
the Dees' best player this season, passed for a mark and goal to Neitz. The
Swans replied quickly, another turnover from Demon Ward allowed the excellent
Adam Goodes to kick long for the Swans, Adam Schneider came up with a
goal-square pivot and soccer-shot that'd make Mark Viduka proud. A minute 
later Demon Scott Thompson was caught in possession, the free-kick to Nick Davis was
thundered 60-plus metres for a sausage. O'Loughlin led to mark Schneider's 
pass and slot a very good goal, his fourth, to have the Bloods a decisive 29 points
ahead. McDonald roved a pack to kick a deserved goal for Melbun but the Bloods
were kickin' 'em for fun now, first Jared Crouch then O'Loughlin again, then a
Ryan O'Keefe major sent the Siddeysiders 41 points clear. Luke Williams 
kicked a late sausage for the Deeze, but the key moment in the final minutes was
O'Loughlin clutching the top of his right hamstring and limping off - he'll
probably miss all the finals. Appalling luck.

The Swan suits put on a brave face afterwards but O'Loughlin's season seems
over, unless the Bloods can reach the Grand Final. At least 'Molly' finished
well with 5 goals from 7 marks and 14 kicks, he was very good. Meistertagger
Brett Kirk had a relatively 'free' day and had 20 disposals, he finished the
home-and-away season as the leeg's leading tackler. Nic Fosdike (27 disposals)
helped the Swans get moving and Adam Goodes (17 disposals) put in an excellent
rucking performance again, against the taller Jolly and Jamar. Ben Mathews (23
touches, a goal) was consistent throughout the game and Paul Williams (18
touches, a goal) rarely plays a bad game. Nick Davis completed his 16-disposal
day with 3 last-quarter goals, Adam Schneider capped a very good debut season
with 13 touches and 2 goals. At full-back Andrew Schauble (12 touches) did 
well against Neitz. Dee supporters looking for a silver lining could point to the
efforts of young midfielder Scott Thompson (20 touches, a goal) and James
McDonald (16 touches, a goal). The search for a key defender may have ended 
with the performance of Nathan Carroll (13 disposals) who restricted Barry Hall 
to 6 marks and no goals. Carroll was notable previously for his comical 
hairstyle, a mohawk with 'tails'. Ruckman Darren Jolly (12 touches, 5 marks) wasn't bad and
Clint Bizzell (12 touches, 5 marks) a decent defender again. Daniel Ward 
had 17 disposals, about 15 of which went directly to a Swan. David Neitz kicked 2 
goals from 4 marks and 9 kicks to finish the year in second place on the 
goal-kicking table, 65 goals for him (although Brisbane's Lynch and Weegle Matera. both 
with finals to play, are on 62). Luke Williams also kicked 2 goals. Got no quote 
from Daniher, who's probably worried about his job. Paul Roos allowed the Swans had
exceeded expectations by finishing fourth on the ladder and he's in a no-lose
situation now - even if the Swans bow out in straight sets it'll be put 
down to a "young side developing".

At Subiaco:
West Coast  4.2   7.4    9.9    11.15.81
Fremantle   4.2   6.6   12.10   14.12.96

Fantastic game of footy which had everything; great footy, terrible footy,
regular lead-changes, fights...I think that covers it. Only Dale Kickett was
missing. The Dockers prevailed for just the fourth time in eighteen western
Derbies and secured a home final for their September debut, while the Weegs 
are forced to journey to Adelaide for their sudden-death contest. Their fans would
maintain the Weegs kicked it away, with justification. As in many games this
weekend injuries were a concern, the Dokkas may be without Jeff Farmer, 
etc. In selection here the Weevils suffered the withdrawal of Andrew Embley 
(shoulder) while Michael Collica was dropped, in came Darren Glass and Kasey Green. 
Veteran Eagle full-back Ashley McIntosh announced his retirement at the season's end,
we'll give more detail then. Following his knee-scare last week Weegle ruckman
Michael Gardiner played and played well. At the press-conference the previous
day Freo coach Chris Connolly had said "Gardiner won't play, I know he 
won't..."
The Dokkas themselves had late changes with Shane Parker ('flu) and Trent 
Croad (ankle) pulling out, youngster Byron Schammer was axed. They were replaced by
Antoni Grover, Luke Webster and Scott Thornton.

The lads kicked off in front of 43,000 at the traditional starting time of 
5:30 PM. Predictably there were scuffles and blues about the place, usually 
involving Phil Read, but in footballing terms it was all Dokkas. They booted the first
three goals, Jeff Farmer the first two. Farmer's opener was a brilliant 
set-shot banana-kick from 45m, the second a nicely-potted running shot. Troy Simmonds
marked and converted and the Dokkas led by 18 points. They became a little
over-excited and helped the Weegles get moving. Freo ruckman Aaron Sandilands
chopped Weeg counterpart Dean Cox in the throat, Cox free-kicked a goal. The
burning Farmer raced away from Drew Banfield for another mark, but missed the
shot. Of the several running battles, that between Freo's Matthew Carr and his
opponent Chris Judd was most intense. An extended wrestle saw both depart with
head-wounds. Eagle whippet Daniel Kerr roved a throw-in and kicked neatly for
Michael Gardiner to mark and convert. As the players returned to the centre 
Freo backman Graham Polak biffed Andrew McDougall - free-kick and goal to 
McDougall, one of those loveable double-goals. Scores level. The already-busy Matthew
Pavlich steadied the Docks with a very good mark and long kick, Justin 
Longmuir scrambled it through from the goal-square. A little later Eegal Chad Fletcher
marked inside 50m and made a complete mess of his shot, handily it fell 
into the lap of Ashley Sampi who made no mistake. Scores level again. In the final 
minute of the term Farmer fell awkwardly as he chased a loose ball and staged for a
free-kick, bending his back the wrong way. It elicited a gasp/groan of empathy
from the big crowd. That was the end of Wizard's Derby. Early in the second
stanza Weegle McIntosh, playing on a wing, speared a pass over leading
Gardiner's head but panicky Dokka defenders shoved Gardiner in the back 
anyway. Gardiner free-kicked an excellent goal, to put the Weegs 6 points up. Three of
their five goals had come from free-kicks, all fully justified though. Freo 
were controlling midfield through Bell, Hasleby and Pavlich, but they missed three
shots in a row now and Gardiner behinded for the Weegs before Weeg defender
David Wirrpunda sprayed a kick on-the-full, leading to a goal for Freo's
Sandilands. Matt Carr roved a ball-up and handpassed for Paul Medhurst to snap
truly, the Dokkas led by 8 points. Back came the Eegs as Ben Cousins and Chris
Judd lifted, they were involved in creating a goal for Cox. Then Phil Matera
came to life and bagged a major to have West Coast back in front, by 4 points.
Late in the half McIntosh was reported in what might've been his final home
game, for striking Dokka full-back Luke McPharlin. A very harsh decision, 
it was a high bump at worst. Time for a breather as the siren sounded.

The rampant Matthew Pavlich cleared the opening bounce of the third term, 
Weegle Fletcher was done for 'bawwll' and Paul Medhurst free-kicked a superb 50m goal
from the boundary-line, the identical spot where Farmer banana-ed his
first-quarter effort. Pavlich and Bell combined to clear the restart again,
Medhurst marked on the lead but missed a far simpler shot. It always happens.
Freo led by 3 points, now the lead changed hands four times in about seven
minutes. Daniel Kerr put the Eegs in front, then it was James Walker sending
Freo ahead again. Phil Matera goaled and the Wiggles led by 4 points, Peter 
Bell lurked forward for a mark and goal and it was Freo leading by 2 points. 
Hasleby and Bell combined the clear the restart and Pavlich galloped away, he might've
been done for 'bawl' as Dan Chick tackled him while kicking but Pavlich was
allowed to continue running, re-gather the ball and steer it home. Cousins
postered, the Shokkas took the ball downfield where Antoni Grover missed 
poorly. Then Paul Hasleby roved a throw-in and snapped the Doks 14 points to the good.
Pavlich and Matera missed shots before Docker Troy Longmuir was allowed 
space to go running through the middle and have a long shot, brother Justin 
shepherded it home for full points. The momentum with the Dockers as they led by 20 
points at the final change. But the Weegs steeled themselves for a final onslaught, as
they have done in many Derbys. They were helped by the benching of a limping
Pavlich. David Wirrpunda, who'd spent time on the bench in the third term,
shifted forward but booted a behind, then one on-the-full. Dean Cox missed a
simple set-shot, the Dokkas worked the kick-in to Aaron Sandilands who spilled
an un-contested mark. Read gathered the ball and slipped a handpass to
Wirrpunda, this time the lithe Eagle slotted for full points. Freo led by 11
points and began to choke like Port Adelaide in a final. The Wiggles couldn't
take advantage. Adam Hunter marked 30m out and missed. The Dokkas were turning
over every kick-in, on this one Troy Simmonds attempted to out-run Phil Matera
but was superbly caught by the little Eagle forward. Matera chipped the
free-kick to Chad Fletcher. He missed. Freo's McPharlin belted the kick-in to
the centre, Ben Cousins gathered it and thumped it back. McPharlin touched it
through. The Eegs had scored 1.5 from seven consecutive shots. Finally the
Dokkas cleared a kick-in. Their Luke Webster won a free-kick for catching 
Sampi in possession, Webster kicked to the goal-square. Eagle Cox collected the ball
but under pressure, handpassed to Justin Longmuir who had a simple 
tap-through.

The Dokkas led by 14 points. They extended that by a couple of points before
Eagle Daniel Kerr conjured one of the goals of the season, a superb, weaving
four-bounce run ending with a drilled shot from 45m. The Freo lead was back to
10 points, Pavlich trundled back on. But Paul Medhurst saved their bacon, he
doggedly pursued a loose, bouncing ball, shrugged off pursuing Wiggle 
defenders and snapped a ripper of a goal. Even then there was time for Weegel 
McDougall to snap on-the-full from the goal-square and Wirrpunda to have a long shot 
touched through before the siren heralded a memorable Docker victory. Sadly for them,
Troy Cook strained ankle ligaments and he'll miss the campaign.

Docker centreman Paul Hasleby won the Ross Glendinning Medal - no controversy
this time - with a terrific 29 disposals and a goal. Once again Docker captain
Peter Bell (27 disposals, a goal) led his side superbly, Matthew Pavlich (19
touches, 6 marks, a goal) also very good. Giant ruckman Aaron Sandilands 
matured a bit with 30 hit-outs to complement his 9 disposals and a goal, helping those
midfielders. The defence stood up solidly again, led by full-back Luke 
McPharlin (9 marks, 12 disposals), speedy Roger Hayden (15 touches, 8 marks) on 
Matera and reliable Dion Woods (17 touches, 7 marks). Small forward Paul Medhurst 
bagged 3 goals from his 17 possies and 7 marks, he was great. Justin Longmuir and Jeff
Farmer kicked 2 goals each. Wiggle half-back Michael Braun was probably their
best player, with 13 disposals in the final quarter to finish with 27
possessions in total. Daniel Kerr was terrific with 21 disposals and 2 goals,
big Michael Gardiner proved a dangerous forward with 8 marks, 10 kicks and 2
goals. The Weevils' other ruckman Dean Cox managed 21 possies and 2 goals. But
they were both beaten in ruck contests by Sandilands. Chris Judd (19 
disposals) and Ben Cousins (18 handlings) battled away. Darren Glass did a good job at
full-back. Phil Matera kicked 2.3 from 8 kicks. The Weegs struggled in attack
again, relying on Phil Matera and their ruckmen to kick goals. Won't be easier
against the Camrys. Mind you, the way the Dokkas cracked a bit under pressure
would've been noted by Sheedy. "We're ready to have a red-hot crack at a 
final," began Connolly. "Over the last ten games we've had a real hard, tough run 
equal to any in the competition and for the majority of the time we've really 
stood up well." No quote in the paper from Worsfold, unfortunately.

At Docklands:
Footscray  4.1    7.3   11.7    13.8.86
Brisbane   7.2   13.4   19.8   26.14.170

The Lyin's expected, comfortable win was overshadowed by the injuries they
suffered in this game, most seriously a broken ankle to Brad Scott. In 
addition Aaron Shattock was forced off with a knee problem, Chris Johnson hurt a
shoulder, Chris Scott strained a groin muscle and Michael Voss spent most 
of the second half on the bench with a sore knee - although the next day Voss 
decalred he could "play today" if necessary. Full-back Mal Michael withdrew before the
game with back soreness and they have Martin Pike and Craig McRae missing with
hamstring injuries - it all points to a tough task if the Lyin's are to 
manage a 'three-peat' as the Yanks call it. The Bulldogs ended the year with the wooden
spoon, their modest expectations of the season nose-dived in the first quarter
of round one when Chris Grant sustained a season-ending knee-injury and they
never really recovered. Footscray were competitive most weeks but haven't the
depth to support their capable team-leaders in Scott West, Brad Johnson, Rohan
Smith and Nathan Brown. Interesting to note that none of their 2002 draftees
(apart from experienced defender Scott Bassett) played a senior game this 
year - they're at the start of a rebuilding timetable. In selection the Pups regained
ruckman Luke Darcy and recalled Simon Garlick and Patrick Wiggins, out dropped
went Patrick Bowden, Lindsay Gilbee and Sam Power. This was the last game for
battling Bulldog Steven Kretiuk, retiring after 170 games. "Not bad for a
battler," said Kretiuk, who will be remebered for being injured a lot ("it
always said hamstring in the paper, but it was usually something else") and
playing at full-back against blokes bigger than him. The Lyin's selected Tim
Notting, Ashley McGrath and Darryl White to replace hamstrung pair McRae and
Pike, plus injured Michael.

Before the game the Bulldogs honoured another recently-deceased great in Norm
Ware, who played in the WWII era and was a widely-respected Footscray 
champion - apologies but I haven't got his details to hand. The Lisbon Brians started
Ashley McGrath in McRae's forward-pocket and the quick rover responded with
three first-quarter goals as the Brians skipped away early. As in many of 
their games this year, the Bulldogs managed to do some scoring but couldn't stop the
opposition from doing so. They had Matthew Croft and Luke Darcy start in 
attack with Wade Skipper rucking. Brad Scott hurt himself early, slipping awkardly on
the dry, loose Docklands turf. It's a ground the Lyin's don't like and they're
unlikely to be any more endeared to it now. The Lyin's stayed well ahead in 
the second term as Al Lynch bagged some goals, proving too strong for Brian 
Harris - Kretiuk had been given a reprieve in his final outing. Brisbun's Aaron 
Shattock had managed ten touches by the late second quarter when he injured a knee. 
Voss was benched early in the third as the Bullies mounted a challenge, consecutive
goals from Nathan Brown brought them within 18 points before a steadying goal
from Lynch and another from lively Shaun Hart saw the Lyin's kick away again,
and they coasted in at the end.

Brisbane had good performances from centreman Simon Black (24 disposals, a 
goal) and winger Nigel Lappin who racked up 35 possessions (20 kicks) and 2 goals.
Blake Caracella also played in midfield and managed 26 disposals, Darryl White
grabbed his chance in defence with 6 marks and 18 disposals. Plenty of Lyin's
kicked goals, led by Ashley McGrath with 6 majors from 12 kicks. His cousin
Martin kicked 5 against the Bulldogs for Richmond, Footscray are probably sick
of McGraths. Alistair Lynch bagged 4 goals from 5 marks and 18 disposals (11
handpasses), taking him to 62 goals for the home-and-away season - 
equal-fourth with Phil Matera. Shaun Hart also kicked 4 goals (22 disposals), Jason 
Akermanis (21 touches) and Daniel Bradshaw kicked 2 each. Bullpup ruckman Luke Darcy
completed an ordinary season by his standards with 6 marks, 12 possessions 
and 4 goals. Half-back Rohan Smith (34 disposals) and rover Scott West (27 touches
with 16 handpasses) enjoyed decent years, as did Brad Johnson (20 kicks, 10
marks). Nathan Brown booted 3 goals from 9 kicks to finish with 56 majors for
the year, although it could've been anything had he kicked straight - 3.3 in
this game. Mitch Hahn (19 disposals) and re-signed junior Daniel Giansiracusa
(17 touches, a goal) played alright, Matthew Croft bagged 3 goals from 4 
kicks.

In his final outing Kretiuk took 8 marks and had 14 disposals. No quote from
first-year coach Peter Rohde I'm afraid, Matthews is quoted praising Voss for
"getting through all year on limited preparation", which doesn't sound like a
good thing. They are the defending champions, though.

At Football Park:
Port Adelaide  5.2   6.6   10.8   14.10.94
Adelaide       2.1   8.3    9.4    12.6.78

They didn't need to win and rested key players, but Port still triumphed in
Showdown...ah, I've lost count now. Port have won the last seven of these.
They've got some sort of hold over the Camrys which might prove handy 
should the teams meet in the finals. Port go into the finals this year as clear flag
favourites and have two home finals on their way to the 'G, providing they 
beat the O'Loughlin-less Swans next week. Meanwhile Gary Ayres said he was "bloody
disappointed and you can add a few more 'bloodys' if you want" as his Crows
slipped outta the top four and face a sudden-death final next week. At least
it's at home. In selection here the Power left out Chad Cornes and Roger James
with ankle and groin injuries respectively, although as per last week Mark
Williams reckoned both would've played had the game been a final. Brent Guerra
and Jared Poulton were dropped, on the plus side ruckman Dean Brogan and
full-back Darryl Wakelin returned, Che Cockatoo-Collins and Adam Kingsley were
recalled. The Camrys axed James Begley and Mark Stevens (he mighta been 
injured, I reckon) but regained Tyson Edwards and gave junior Brent Reilly a chance.

On a sunny but cool, windy afternoon things were just as willing as they had
been in Perth the previous night. The umps were all over the game, perhaps too
much so in whistling for six free-kicks in the first two minutes. Port started
with the aid of a healthy breeze but the Camrys scored the first two goals.
There were cheers from non-Port supporters everywhereas Port's
brilliant-but-hateable Gavin Wanganeen was pinged for 'bawl' in his own
defensive goal-square, Scott Welsh free-kicked an easy major. Of course the
final goal of the quarter was kicked by Wanganeen, from a free-kick. What goes
around etc. Aderlayed's Graham Johncock kicked the second major and the Camrys
led by 12 points but Port took advantage of the breeze thereon, led by Byron
Pickett and Peter Burgoyne. Pickett played a one-two with Cockatoo-Collins and
slotted one, a Josh Carr pass set up Brett Montgomery, Montgomery turned
provider for a busy Jarrad Schofield, Shaun Burgoyne held a strong goal-square
grab and popped it through. Wanganeen's free-kicked sausage (held by Chris
Ladhams) made it five unanswered goals for Port and they led by 19 points 
at the first break. Now it was the Corollas' turn with the wind. They cleared the
opening bounce of quartier du, it led to a ball-up in the goal-square where
Johncock was dragged down without the ball. Johncock banana-ed his free 
kick for full points. A minute later Camry captain Mark Ricciuto bludgeoned his way
through a pack in typical style and kicked high, Johncock gathered the 
bouncing ball and snapped truly. 'Stiffy' had three goals as the Camrys trailed by 7
points. Powermen Carr and Dew missed set-shots as the wind blew fiercely, Mark
Bickley marked a kick-in and was clattered late by Carr - memories were 
recalled of last year's corresponding fixture, in which Bickley broke Darryl Wakelin's
cheekbone and copped a 5-game suspension. This time Bickley earned a 50m 
penalty which led to Wayne Carey holding a juggled mark and converting, Port's lead 
was down to 3 points. The Cows led after Brett Burton thumped a wind-assisted, 50m
shot for a goal. Port hit back as Shaun Burgoyne collected the ball on the
boundary and centred it coolly for Adam Kingsley to split the big posts with a
low, drilled kick. Port CHF Warren Tredrea was next to mis-judge the wind 
before the Camrys regained the lead, Ian Perrie shovelled the ball out of a pack 
and a Matthew Bode handpass sent Tyson Edwards in for a running sausage. Port 
streamed away from the restart but Nick Stevens missed woefully from 20m. It cost 'em
when Camry Robert Shirley's long kick was gathered by Burton, a 
'Crow-throw' to Bode who snapped a nice goal. The Cows led by 9 points at the main break.

The Camrys worked hard to limit Port's wind advantage in the third. Nothing
happened for the first ten minuts, apart from Burton being whacked on his
prominent nose by Port hard-man Damien Hardwick and being forced off with 
blood dripping. Eventually Warren Tredrea came on a long lead into the 
centre-square, marked and booted long with the wind. Shaun Burgoyne out-marked Edwards and
kicked a major. A similarly wind-propelled punt from Kane Cornes saw the
forward-running Stuart Dew pop it through from point-blank and Port led by 3
points. A clever piece of roving and goal from Matthew Bode restored the lead
for the Cressidas, but Port won the subsequent centre-clearance and Schofield
slipped a handpass to Nick Stevens, Stevens thumped it home from 50m. Hard 
work from Pickett and Tredrea, followed by some rapid handpassing, ended with 
another goal for tap-through merchant Dew and Port led by 8 points, which became 10 by
the final change. But it seemed the Camrys had done a reasonable job 
considering they were coming home with the wind. Port upped the ante by scoring the first
two goals of the final term. Wanganeen sprayed a shot away on-the-full and 
folks made observations about the breeze, but soon Byron Pickett found Brett
Montgomery with a good pass. Montgomery took his time lining-up and allowed 
for the wind perfectly to kick a goal. Then came a key moment as a small fracas
broke out in the Camrys' forward-line. Camry forward Ian Perrie hurled 
Hardwick to the ground, Hardwick's resulting free-kick and some good bullocking from 
Stu Dew ended with Pickett snapping a goal. Port had jumped to a 22-point lead.
Camry ruckman Matthew Clarke forced the ball forward from the restart, some
hard, skilful play from Carey and Matthew Bode led to a goal for Simon 
Goodwin. A minute later Carey marked within range but missed the shot as the Camrys
closed to 15 points behind. A mistake by Dew gave Perrie a chance but his
tight-angle snap bounced out-of-bounds. Scott Welsh roved the throw-in and
snapped truly, the Cows 10 points down at this stage - where they'd been at 
the start of the quarter. At the subsequent centre-bounce Port's Josh Carr got a
high kick forward, it bounced around a bit before Byron Pickett collected the
ball and accelerated brilliantly to spear a decisive goal. Peter Burgoyne won
the next centre-clearance, Stevens delivered the ball to Brett Montgomery who
steered another canny shot through for a sausage. Port led by 22 points again
and looked home. There was a little excitement when Andrew McLeod speared an
excellent running goal for Aderlayed. McLeod had spent most of the game 
playing across half-back, punishment perhaps for his effort last week. Tredrea managed
to miss from 10m and the Cows' last chance disappeared with McLeod's set-shot
miss. That came with three minutes remaining, Port milked the clock 'til the
siren.

Port's rovers were very good, led by Peter Burgoyne with 22 disposals and his
usual speed of foot and thought. Byron Pickett started and ended the match
explosively, his final stats 18 disposals (11 in the first quarter) and 3 
goals. Pickett spent some time off the ground with some sort of hip/knee problem. 
Gavin Wanganeen had 20 touches (18 kicks) and booted a goal, although he did allow
Johncock too much space early. Jarrad Schofield (24 touches, a goal) and Nick
Stevens (19 touches, a goal) played well. Brett Montgomery proved a useful
forward with 3 goals from his 7 marks and 11 kicks, Stephen Paxman (11 
touches, 6 marks) was good in defence on the goal-less Perrie. Warren Tredrea 
struggled a bit in unfriendly conditions and with Nigel Smart but still finished with 9
marks - Tredrea kicked 0.3, though. Stuart Dew kicked 2 goals. Adelaide's
ex-Port rover Matthew Bode was excellent with 23 possessions and 2 goals, Mark
Ricciuto (23 touches) was feisty as ever and Tyson Edwards (23 disposals, a
goal) enjoyed playing in the centre. Wayne Carey took 7 marks, had 17 
disposals and kicked a goal, he was value. Ruckman Matthew Clarke played well and Nigel
Smart (11 touches) was handy in a decent duel with Tredrea, but those six 
didn't receive much support. Andrew McLeod (14 touches, a goal) languished in defence
for most of it and Brett Burton was intermittently effective. Graham Johncock
kicked 3 early goals but was rarely sighted after, Scott Welsh kicked 2 goals.
Ronnie Burns had 3 disposals for a point, he's not spending much time on the
ground recently. Gary Ayres has gone defensive already. "Last year we were the
second-youngest list in the competition, this year we pick up Carey and Burns
and everyone says we're old. We are an evolving footy club here, which I 
have no doubt is on the right track." Evolving? But you played in a prelim final last
year, Ayresey. "How far we go this year, I don't know...I think we've got a 
real handle on where we are going and where we want to go," Gazza concluded. Mark
Williams got down to brass tacks. "We go into the game (next week's final
against the Swans) confident but with eyes open to the fact it's a fifty-fifty
game and we really need to establish ourselves as a winning finals team in the
first week." Indeed.

At Princes Park:
Carlton          1.4    2.6    4.8      9.9.63
North Melbourne  5.5   12.8   22.11   28.19.187

Carlton ended a woeful year with a 124-point thrashing at the hands of Denis
Pagan's old team, the Kangaroos. The biggest loss in the history of the club.
Considering one of the Bluesers' four wins this season came at the expense of
Norf, they'd be pretty happy about the outcome here. In fact Carlton played
alright in the first half of the season when they won the four games, the most
recent a 7-point win over the Tiges in round 12. But since then the Blues have
been inexperienced, undermanned and hopeless, the least competitive team since
Fitzroy in their final year of 1996. Managing to avoid the wooden spoon is 
about the only highlight, you could add the improvement from Brendan Fevola who 
booted 5 of the Blues' 9 goals here to finish with 63 for the season, third in the
homa-and-away table behind Lloyd and Neitz. And Anthony Koutoufides seems to
have made a full recovery from his knee injury. The Kangas weren't expected to
do much this year, so to stay in the eight for as long as they did is a credit
to Dean Laidley and his core group of senior players. Doubts over the 
quality of their taller players were justified in the second half of the season, but they
did okay overall in a year that saw plenty of emotional challenges - playing
against Carey, against Pagan, Jason McCartney's return from near-death - their
fans got value. And in Daniel Wells the Ruse have drafted a very good 
player. In selection here the Bluies made five changes, axing Callan Beasy, Jim Plunkett,
Justin Davies, Simon O'Keeffe and Blake Campbell. They were replaced by Scott
Camporeale, Darren Hulme, Corey McKernan, Simon Wiggins and alleged tea-leaf
Laurence Angwin. Mick Martyn announced his retirement last week. Carlton (and
Pagan) gave Mick the chance to reach 300 league games and he took it, but 
it'll be Micky the Monster's 287 games and two premierships with the Kangas for 
which he'll be remembered, along with his ugly, bald head, weightlifter's 
physique and rasping, lisping voice. A character. Martyn became the third Blue retiree this
season, following Brett Ratten and Adrian Hickmott and there's speculation 
over the future plans of Glenn Manton, Andrew McKay and Corey McKernan. North had a
retiree in ruckman Matthew 'Spider' Burton, the 33-year-old hanging 'em up 
after 147 games with Fremantle and North. The gangling 210-cm giant was an instant
cult-hero with the Dockers and was also regarded fondly by Roo supporters. In
selection here the Ruse recalled Burton for his swan-song, at the expense of
young ruckman David Hale.

The Australian doesn't bother to give much in the way of match reports and I
haven't seen a second of footage from this game, all I know is Blu burglar
(allegedly) Laurence Angwin was reported in the third quarter for biffing 
Brady Rawlings. So let's jump straight to the stats. Typically North lorded it in
midfield through Brent Harvey with 21 disposals complemented by 3 goals, 
wingman Shannon Grant (21 touches, a goal) and pack-diver Adam Simpson (23 
disposals, 2 goals) were also very good. Young rover Daniel Harris (15 touches) has 
improved this season and Ben Robbins (20 touches) played well. CHB Leigh Colbert (10
marks, 21 possies) has made a fine recovery from a nasty torn pancreas earlier
in the season. Half-forward Corey Jones was busy with 10 marks, 20 
disposals (16 kicks) and 4 goals, Sav Rocca continued his late burst of form with 4 goals 
from 9 marks and kicks, another tall forward in Drew Petrie bagged 3 goals from 6
marks and 16 touches, Daniel Motlop kicked 3.4 and had 26 disposals. Brady
Rawlings, Jeremy Clayton and good ol' Spider Burton booted 2 goals each, 
Spider finishing with 3 marks and 10 disposals. Apart from the performance of Brendan
Fevola (6 marks, 9 kicks, 2 handpasses, 5 goals 1 behind) there wasn't much to
excite your Bloo fans. Matthew Lappin (8 marks, 19 disposals) played 
alright off half-back, some others had a lot of the ball (31 touches for Ryan Houlihan;
Scott Camporeale 26 disposals and a goal; Simon Beaumont 25 touches with 10
marks; Jonathan McCormick 23 possies) but did little with it. Laurence Angwin
pinched 2 goals. Pagan only wanted to talk about the future. "It's a 
massive job (ahead of us) but we haven't had an opportunity to do anything about it. I 
think anyone can see what has to happen. We're not a powerfully-built side and even
some of our players are very finely-built. If you look at a Collingwood or
Brisbane or Essendon, the bodies are just so much bigger and stronger." Big
clear-out ahead with the Blues wondering what to do with their priority
draft-pick - they're allowed to keep that but are still banned from the first
two rounds of the draft proper. No quote from Laidley, sorry.

At the MCG:
Richmond   1.0   7.1    9.4    11.8.74
Hawthorn   5.3   9.5   10.9   11.12.78

Was in Queensland drinking and sunbaking by the time this game was played, no
TV, radio or anything apart from the later news reports. So I didn't get to 
seethe Tigers end another miserable season of undelivered promise, the numbers 
are well-known by now - six wins in the first eight games and third spot on the
ladder, one win in the next fourteen and thirteenth spot. At last the coaching
heirarchy seems to have realised the team has no strength in depth and a 
couple of injuries - to skipper Wayne Campbell and key defender Darren Gaspar, for
example - leaves them a mediocre lot. So there's a clear-out coming, 
apparently. Leon Cameron jumped ship early, the classy running player retiring after 256
games, 180 with the Bulldogs. It's clear Cameron has lost some speed over the
last two seasons but an experiment to play him as a forward wasn't really
persisted with - typical of a large coaching panel which seems to make 
strategy up as they go along. The Hawks went through their crisis early in the year, 
with some key forwards absent through injury they played dreadfully and slumped 
down the ladder, before a mid-season revival. In fact the Hawks won nine of their
last twelve and in winning here became the second team to miss the final eight
with 12 wins - joining Richmond, to whom it's happened twice (just thought I'd
get that in). After this game the Hawks announced they'd extended coach Peter
Schwab's contract for another two years, a curious decision after that
early-season bother when fans were calling for Schwabby's head and 
president Ian Dicker said it was "absolutely essential" that the Hawks made the finals this
year. Many commentators have observed that the Tigers and Hawks are very 
similar at this stage of their journeys. In selection the Tigers called up junior Jay
Schulz and gave battling Rory Hilton and Andrew Mills chances to justify
themselves, out went Ben Holland with a hamstring injury while Matthew Rogers
and Justin Blumfield were axed. The Hawks dropped Adrian Cox while full-back
Jonathan Hay withdrew with yet another of the hamstring problems that have
plagued his season. In came Ben Dixon and Brett Johnson earned a late reprieve
thanks to Hay.

The Tiges had planned a proper tribute to Jack Dyer this week, following 
Captain Blood's well-attended mid-week funeral. The numeral 17 - Dyer's number,
currently 'in retirement' at Punt Road since Paul Broderick's departure two
years ago - was much in evidence, on the ground and on the Tiger player's
guernseys. Dunno much about the game again, but I do know big Hawk spearhead
Nathan Thompson booted 5 goals in the first half. The cunning Tiger coaches 
had Ty Zantuck on him, the same Zantuck who bagged 5 goals as a forward last week
and conceded 5 in a half against Matthew Lloyd the week before. What on earth
are they doing? Zantuck would've come up to Thompson's shoulder, maybe. Coming
in Tiger ruckman Greg Stafford was regarded as a 'targetted' player, given he
broke Hawk ruckman Peter Everitt's cheekbone last time they met. But 
apparently the Tiges dished out the thuggery, with Mark Chaffey and captain Matthew
Richardson both reported for striking Tim Clarke (assault of a minor, that
should be) and charging Luke Hodge, respectively. Looks like a tight second 
half which saw the Tiges lose another close one. Well done Hawks.

Nathan Thompson finished with 5 goals from 10 marks and 14 disposals, the 
Hawks also did well in midfield where young Nick Ries (21 disposals, a goal) and 
older Shane Crawford (27 disposals with 20 kicks) completed good seasons. 
In-and-under man Sam Mitchell (23 possies) played very well, with useful efforts from
half-forward Kris Barlow (9 marks, 17 touches, a goal) and half-back Luke 
Hodge (7 marks, 16 touches). Hodge has matured rapidly this season. John Barker
performed admirably at CHB again, 9 marks and 19 disposals, Joel Smith (18
touches) played well. For the Tigers, ruckman/forward Brad Ottens won 31
hitouts, took 7 marks, had 22 disposals and kicked a goal. His recent form has
been very good. Tenacious centre-pairing Mark Coughlan (27 touches, a goal) 
and Kane Johnson (33 possessions) completed excellent seasons. They didn't have 
much support. Half-back Mark Chaffey (16 disposals) played well again and I see
ex-Hawk Bill Nicholls (17 touches, 5 marks) has made it into The Oz's
best-players list. Good heavens. Joel Bowden played well with 21 disposals 
and 2 goals, as usual the Tiges struggled in attack where Greg Stafford (4 marks, 2
goals) and Matthew Richardson (10 marks, 14 disposals, 2 goals) did a bit, but
not enough. No quote from Frawley, fortunately. On his re-appointment, Schwab
said "I'm delighted. I want to continue coaching but I only want to coach this
club. At the start of the year, making the eight was a fair assessment of 
where we were at. But things alter as the season goes on. When we're playing to our
potential and get a good run with injuries, the eight is definitely a target."
Frawley could've said that. Or Thomas. Or Laidley, or etc. Ian Dicker said
"Making the eight was never an issue, that came from people outside the club."
Ah, those politicians.

Next week:
Elimination Finals:
Fremantle v Essendon, Subiaco, Friday night
Adelaide v West Coast, Football Park, Saturday.
Qualifying Finals:
Collingwood v Brisbane, MCG, Saturday night.
Port Adelaide v Sydney, Football Park, Sunday.

Final Ladder 2003
                   W      L    D    For   Agin    %    Pts.
Port Adelaide     18     4    -    2229  1752  127.2  72
Collingwood      15     7    -    2259  1858  121.6  60
Brisbane         14     7    1    2295  1882  121.9  58
Sydney           14     8    -    2142  1862  115.0  56
Fremantle        14     8    -    2143  2078  103.1  56
Adelaide         13     9    -    2114  1754  120.5  52
West Coast        12     8    2    2326  1982  117.4  52
Essendon         13     9    -    2190  1960  111.7  52
--------------------------
Hawthorn         12    10    -    2011  1999  100.6  48
North Melbourne  11    10    1    2185  2223   98.3  46
St. Kilda        11    11    -    2095  2187   95.8  44
Geelong           7    14    1    1819  2025   89.8  30
Richmond          7    15    -    1846  2078   88.8  28
Melbourne         5    17    -    1899  2344   81.0  20
Carlton           4    18    -    1784  2674   66.7  16
Footscray         3    18    1    2014  2693   74.8  14