The following information is provided by Tim Murphy - [t.murphy@rmit.edu.au], distributed via news groups and email and is updated here Monday evenings after the weekends games. All credit for this information goes to Tim and is being used with permission.
Those damn Roccas. I bet neither one gets a kick for the next 6 weeks.
Pretty slow news if your interest extends beyond the usual reports and injuries, but the footy is starting to hot up with some excellent games this weekend and clashes set up between the early leaders. Hoodoos were broken, rare wins coming for Sydney in WA, Footscray at Geelong, Melbourne at Princes Park and Fremantle in Melbourne.
Some kerfuffle after Essendon's keepings-off in their close finish last week, Carlton coach Parkin suggesting that there should be a set time players are allowed to stand with the ball. Might be something in it. Brisbane's John Northey came under some bizarre pressure during the week when it emerged he'd been the target of some practical jokes from his players, including late-night abusive phone calls and unordered pizza deliveries. Mal Brown's got a place on the Gold Coast, hasn't he? The only other issue rumbling away in the background is exactly who is going to be playing at Docklands once it's built, with the AFL manouvering to reduce its' commitment to the MCG. Still no word on how much it'll cost to see a game there and the necessity of pre-purchased tickets, although it'd be prudent to expect the worst and most expensive.
Collingwood 7.1 13.6 17.7 20.13.133 Richmond 0.3 4.6 9.9 12.16.88
Felt apprehensive wending my way to the 'G with 78,000 other souls, the Pies and especially the Roccas were overdue to do something and it was just the sort of big-game setting for them to fire. And sure enough, the Magpies ran Richmond ragged and the resurgent Italian lummoxes marked everything in sight. And we ran into some Pie-supporting mates we hadn't seen in ages. Dontcha just hate that? The win was made all the more pleasing for Collingwood considering their weakened side, Brown and Williams were out with thigh strains and Curran and Tape were dropped. Replacements were Matt Francis, Fuller, Wild and new player Andrew Pugsley, a forward from Scoresby. Richmond made one change from last week, regaining Michael Gale at Manfield's expense.
Bulluss pulled Sav Rocca's guernsey off in a pre-bounce wrestle, but it was the Tiges who ended up beinq exposed. After a couple of early, ineffective Richmond thrusts the elder Rocca led, marked and from 55m casually poked the ball through the big sticks. Straight from the following bounce brother Anthony did the same and I settled in for a long night. Buckley, McDonald, Russell and Crosisca were running wild and Monkhorst doing well in the ruck. Watson got one when ex-Pie James wet himself under pressure. Buckley swung through a beautiful running goal which no doubt had Brooce making a mess in the commentary box. S. Rocca screwed a free through after he was held by Bulluss and then Pugsley also converted after a holding free, goaling with his first kick in the big time. A. Rocca closed the quarter by snapping another major from close range after a goalmouth scramble. The Tiges couldn't get the ball out of the centre and when they did Schauble or Osborne dealt with it easily enough. Early in the second quarter A. Rocca missed The Easiest Shot Ever and it played upon his non-complicated brain as he became obsessed with short passes from 30m out. It led to a few behinds for the Maggies and Richmond's first goal arrived when Rogers grubbed a snap through. Kellaway had been switched onto Buckley and B. Gale moved to CHF, Ottens into the ruck. Pie defender Liddell handballed straight to the hard-working Daffy for another Tiger goal and we entertained thoughts of a repeat of last week. But Tony Rocca marked again and handpassed to Pugsley in the 'square, then dobbed an excellent kick himself after 40,000 screamed at him to "have a shot." Michael handed Daffy another goal but the same Pie defender's huge punch led to a great running major for Watson, then Crosisca wallopped one from 50m. Good as over.
In the third the Tigers edged a bit closer, Gaspar had a go at CHF and held a few grabs and Merenda and Daffy got busy. Rombotis kicked a goal and Daffy snaggled 2 more to bring the Tiges within 6 goals. Daffy had a chance for another but played on in front of Schauble and was caught, the ball whipped to the other end and Sav handpssed to Anthony Rocca for an easy one. Moments later Buckley arrogantly speared the ball through from 50m in the "wrong" pocket for The Sealer, if one were required. Time was played out thenceforth.
It was like 1990 all over again as the Magpies ran the ball superbly from defence to attack. Buckley, only momentarily slowed by Kellaway, finished with 36 disposals and 2 goals and I thought Scott Russell (24 touches) was excellent. McDonald and Crosisca were everywhere as well. Anthony Rocca's talent was on display as he plucked 8 marks and bagged 5 goals, slaughtering Aaron James. What a great pick-up. Sav booted 4 and Watson 3. Liked the games of Schauble and Osborne in defence. The meedya seems to think Monkhorst was a key for his 1.5 quarters of admittedly good football. Nick Daffy was a bit of a sole light for Richmond with 28 possessions and kicking 5.4 playing out of the centre and back pocket Jason Torney was one of the few Tigers who went harder at the ball than his opponent. Gaspar and Merenda weren't bad and Brendon Gale battled on. "In some of our games when the ball's hot and up for the grabs at the start, we've just not been in it," said Gieschen. Yep. The fact Richmond outscored Collingwood in the second half was taken as a positive. Ah well. Now for the annual rebound against the Eagles. Shaw said "It was a good effort to win by that margin when Richmond have been playing pretty good footy and we haven't...they (the Roccas) copped lot of criticism during the week and it hurt bit, they came out hard." But they cop a lot of criticism EVERY week, why did they have to respond this time, eh.
Geelong 2.4 8.6 10.8 11.13.79 Footscray 5.4 8.6 12.7 14.10.94
On march the Bulldogs, scoring a rare win in Sleepy Hollow. They had too much skill for the battling Cats who still haven't come up with a working forward line. Much was made of Geelong's 5 changes after their pounding in Sydney last week, but it was mainly experienced players returning at the expense of some youngsters. Barnes (officially "at the crossroads"), McKinnon, Lowther, Bizzell and Finocchiaro were dropped. In came Brown, Roberts, King, Snell and Liam Pickering for his first game of the year. For the second week running Footscray were unchanged.
Geelong shut down the Dogs' key forwards early, but they couldn't get anything happening themselves and smaller Puppies did the damage. Brad Johnson ran down from his wing to kick 2 goals, Hudson snaggled a couple too and Smith was busy. The Cats got going in the second quarter, Stoneham doing well at CHF against the smaller Cameron and Lynch and Milburn prominent. McGrath ventured forward to kick a goal, Lynch majored after a gutsy mark and a raking goal from Riccardi put the Cats in front. Hudson replied again for the visitors, Biddiscombe nosed the Cats ahead again before a nice snap from Kolyniuk levelled the scores at the long break. Southern was moved onto Stoneham for the second half and the Dogs put the bite on the Cats. Grant, well held by Colbert to that point, thumped his opponent, was reported and started to exert an influence while the Bullies' midfielders did more. A few misses in a spirited start to the last quarter cost Geelong before Hudson passed for Grant to mark strongly in front of McGrath and goal. The excellent Lynch answered for the locals to cut the margin to 8 points, but the Bulldogs sealed it when Cat Kilpatrick handpassed straight to opponent West, who sent the ball forward where Hudson soccered a goal.
Footscray winger Brad Johnson was in form with 21 kicks and 2 goals. West and Romero worked diligently as ever in the middle and Kretiuk smothered Hall. Up forward Grant finished with 12 marks and 3 goals, Hudson was also good with 13 kicks and 3 goals. For the Cats defenders McGrath and Colbert were good, Pickering had 21 disposals in a good duel with West. Lynch had 17 kicks and kicked 3 goals and Stoneham played well for the first 3 quarters, with 13 kicks, 11 marks and goal. Ayres said "I think the skill was the appropriate thing that caused the loss of four points today." He also complained about the umpiring, with special reference to Garry Hocking. "To have a hard-fought, slogging win against a side that was as good as any going around last year...they're the ones that really count for something," said Wallace. Top-of-the-table clash against their old pals Sydney next week.
Hawthorn 7.2 13.4 14.7 18.13.121 St. Kilda 4.1 9.1 17.6 20.9.129
You certainly get plenty of entertainment if you're a Hawk supporter, even if it is mostly tragedy rather than uplifting drama. Although some would say comedy...harsh. With repeats. At least poor ol' Judgey continues to be upbeat about it. Did you know his team have lost 12 in row? Hawthorn had Dunstall back here along with Justin Crawford, replacing the injured Lloyd and dumped Bone. No change for the Saints.
For the third time in four rounds the Hawks were programmed as the twilight game. Great for membership, why bother to join or even go to the game if you're an hour delayed on TV every week. The Hawks made another fast start, Dunstall kicked the first goal after the ball apparently passed through the body of Shane Wakelin. Dixon, Holland, Dunstall again and Graham goaled as Taylor and Treleven won the ball in the middle. Saint Harvey was getting plenty of the ball too and he helped the reigning runners-up stay in touch. Shane Crawford, Harvs' opponent, exerted some influence in the second term and Krummel lurked for 3 goals in the quarter, while Loewe helped a few goals arrive from Mitchell and Jones. Folks cynical about Hawthorn - just about everyone by now - were waiting for the Saint comeback and it came sooner than expected. I was still in the little boy's room when the Saints booted 2 goals to open the third quarter. That pesky little boy. Heatley, who'd spent most of the first half on the bench, booted consecutive goals and the Saints went ahead with a goal from Young. Everitt had powered the comeback, starring in the centre and in attack, while Harvey and Jones were abroad. Dixon put the Hawkers back ahead before Crawford was free-kicked for pushing Harvey under the ball, then conceded a 50m-penalty for complaining about it. It was the third 50m the rattled Hawks conceded for the quarter. Harvey goaled, Everitt kicked one and Winmar gave the Saints a handy lead at the final break. But still the Hawks weren't done, Dunstall kicked the first two goals of the last quarter from some trademark bullocking marks and when Lord raced through to spear a major Hawthorn were, rather improbably, back in front. Dunstall marked and goaled again and the Hawks led by 9 points, but still they couldn't do it. Heatley and Jones goaled in rapid succession to put Stakilda ahead again and Everitt sealed it.
Like last week Hawthorn were killed in the ruck. Everitt was the key for the winners, dominating hitouts with 17 to Hawthorn's combined 11, taking 7 marks and kicking 4 goals. Harvey had 37 disposals and a goal, Peckett was good in his 100th game and Andrew Thompson was handy. The rest of the Saints played cameo roles, Heatley and Loewe managed 3 goals each and Mitchell and Jones bagged 2 each. Dunstall booted 7 goals in a classic display for Hawthorn and Crawford had 25 touches, Graham ran effectively even if he wasn't too good in direct contests. Taylor and Lekkas contributed midfield and Harford worked into it across half-back. Krummel kicked 3 goals. "The end result was the same as last week, but I thought we were better," said Judge. "We could have capitulated but we kept on coming back." Twelve in a row, not counting pre-season or practice games. Alves said "It was a good win when you consider where we were at half-time. Anyone who said we didn't play well would be downgrading Hawthorn...our second half was outstanding."
West Coast 4.4 7.6 12.10 14.15.99 Sydney 4.2 9.4 14.7 18.10.118
A very good game won by a pretty good side, led by classy veterans Lockett and Schwass. The Eags' forward line didn't work too well, despite another fine performance by Gehrig. The Eagles made three changes from last week, Banfield and Lovell were out injured and Stone was dropped, in came Symmons, Turnbull and Mitchell White for his first game in a year after a knee reconstruction. The Swans dropped Saddington and Green for Bayes and Ahmat.
Tight first term with Schwass and Cresswell busy for the visitors and Lockett proving a handful for McIntosh - and having his kicking boots on this week. Eagles Kemp, McKenna, Lewis and Peter Matera were getting the ball too and Gehrig's outstanding early-season form continued. Sydney edged ahead in the second term due to their more effective forward line, O'Loughlin assisting Plugger. The Weegles kicked the 3 of the first 4 qoals of the third term to grab the lead back as the game lifted noticeably in intensity. The Swans should have gone ahead when Filandia was ridden into the ground just 15m out and the umpire waved play on, but the ball ended up with Schwass who bombed a running goal from 55m. Moments later Eagle White took a good running mark in his forward line and was tripped up by his opponent which umpire McBurney interpreted as play-on, and White lost possession. That got the locals a'booing for the rest of the quarter. They're very good at it over there in WA, must practice it in special clubs or something.
West Coast pinched the lead back when Cousins set up an easy goal for Peter Matera. The lead changed again after a fantastic Schwass goal, he marked Dunkley's clearing kick, took three bounces running through the centre, passed to Stafford at CHF, ran on to get the ball back and smack it through. Sydney by 3 points, which became 9 when Schwassy kicked another absolute corker, baulking out of 2 tackles and walloping another huge kick between the big sticks. As Tommy Hafey would say, the boy was literally on fire. Back came the Eagles, cutting the margin to 2 points after a towering mark at CHF and subsequent goal by Gehrig. But the Swans entered the final change with a 2-kick lead when Stafford took an excellent pack mark in the goalsquare and converted. Things looked ominous for the locals when Kelly and Cresswell combined to set up a one-step goal for Schwass, aqain, early in the last. Lewis scrambled a goal to bring the Weegles within 9 points and they surged again when McIntosh appeared certain to run onto a clearing kick and drive deep into his own forward half. But the Weegle full back got an appalling bounce and Lockett, who'd followed him, collected the ball and gave it to Maxfield who banged a trademark left-foot goal. Moments later Wooden missed a simple shot and was punished when O'Loughlin marked and goaled to put the Bloods 19 points ahead with 5 minutes left. Gehrig missed probably the Eagles' last chance, despite Jakovich snapping a late goal.
You may have guessed that Wayne Schwass wasn't bad. 28 kicks, 8 handpasses and 5 goals. That's not bad. Lockett kicked 7 goals, 6 in the first half, in a welcome return to form. Stafford was great, dominating hitouts and grabbing 7 marks, many in packs just like an old-time ruckman. Kelly, Cresswell and Maxfield were very good across the centre and O'Brien, also midfield, and defender Warfe were handy.
O'Loughlin was elusive across half-forward. For the Eagles Gehrig had another great game, taking 12 marks and booting 6 goals, he's the textbook example of someone going 'to the next level.' Kemp, with 31 disposals, and Cousins (2 goals) were commanding midfielders and Morrison was handy with 13 kicks and 2 goals, although a full-forward he 'aint. Lewis had a good game and Jakovich and Waterman played well at the back. Malthouse lamented his side's inability to convert more often inside 50m, suggesting that the absences of Banfield and Heady were hurting. How about the non-performance of Ball, Mick? Eade was understandably rapt and paid tribute to Lockett, who bobbed up at full back in the closing stages, and Schwass. Why wouldn't he be?
Carlton 3.2 5.5 6.9 10.10.70 Melbourne 2.4 5.7 6.10 10.12.72
Another Demon win in a game of low scores and fairly low skill, but Rabbi Joe and his crew will take 'em any way they come, especially turning over a 3-goal deficit in the final quarter. May prove a bit costly for the Dees as Neitz almost certainly broke his ankle in an awkward fall in the third quarter and Jim Stynes has a broken hand, which may end his 244-game streak. In selection the Blues regained Bradley, Manton and Murphy from injury, dropping Clape, Beaumont and Adam White. Melbourne lost Grgic for a fortnight suspended, Glen Lovett and Farmer with hammys. Tingay and Matthew Febey returned from injury and a player was given his debut, back-pocket Nathan Brown from West Adelaide.
Even start with the Blues well served by Bradley and Brown in the centre, for the Dees Yze and Stynes were about early. Matt Febey kicked the first goal of the game before Bradley replied for Carlton. Things got interesting in the second quarter. Schwarz fired, kicking two goals after strong marks and Neitz snapped a nice major over his head as the Demons asserted themselves. Some fun at the other end, where Pearce outmarked Seecamp and jabbed the Demon defender in the orchestras. Seecamp responded by punching Pearce hard in the face and knocking him out. Pearce was stretchered off and didn't return. Seecamp's been done on video. Carlton's Hamill fired and helped the Blues respond, Murphy finally kicked straight after a couple of misses and Koutoufides snapped one just before half time. On the radio Crackers Keenan bemoaned the standard of play in the third quarter as the sides managed one goal each. Melbourne attacked furiously for the first bit of the term but Rice and Whitnall, now in defence on Schwarz, helped repel the Dees. After Stynes and Neitz departed in rapid succession with their injuries, Carlton got back into it with a late goal from Hulme. History's Greatest Full Back went to full forward for the final term, after Koutoufides kicked an early goal HGFB marked and goaled too and when Peter Dean slotted one on the run Carlton looked home with an 18-point lead. But the Dees fought back led by Garry Lyon. After Schwarz kicked a running goal Lyon marked and passed to Smoker who converted from the pocket, then ran down the significantly quicker De Iulio and the ball jarred loose for Stephen Febey. He whipped it over to James McDonald who levelled the scores. Hamill put Carlton ahead again but then the diminutive J. McDonald took a pack mark 20m out and converted to make it 70 each of two. James McDonald's tackle on Rice led to a rushed point to put Melbourne in front and his brother Anthony's touched snap was the final score.
Great team effort by the Demons. Midfield Leoncelli had 20 disposals while holding Ratten to 11, Stephen Febey (27 disposals) and Yze again got a lot of the footy and Rigoni has been an excellent recruit. Viney worked into it. Brown played well after coming on for the second half and Ingerson and Shanahan were solid at the back against a variety of opponents. Schwarz kicked 3 goals and James McDonald deserves mention for his 2 vital last-quarter goals and point. For the Blues Aaron Hamill was very good with 21 touches and 7 marks, Brown had 33 disposals in the centre and Camporeale was handy. Whitnall played well as a defender and Full Back Of The Century was useful too. Dean played well with 2 goals and Koutoufides, 22 possessions and 2 goals, did OK but not enough for many Blue supporters. Parkin put his finger on it. "Three goals up with 15 minutes to play, we should have completed the job. We used the ball deplorably." Neal Daniher continued the theme. "To have Carlton kick three goals on their home ground in the last quarter...to come back from that is a pretty special day for the Melbourne Football Club." Many experts saying the Dees'll make the eight.
North Melbourne 7.2 10.4 15.9 21.11.132 Brisbane 3.4 8.9 11.12 17.18.120
Just a win for North against a Brisbane side whom nobody expected to collect the points, although they did play better than recent weeks. Afterwards Pagan retorted to a journo who suggested North have been inconsistent so far with "I hope we can be as inconsistent as this for the rest of the year," pointing out that North have in fact won most of the time. The Roos regained experienced trio Allison, Longmire and Rock, losing King and Chandler to injury and dumping Mellington. The Lions discarded four, Akermanis, Bamford, Bartlett and Robbins, for Brad Scott, Dickfos, Hart and yet another teenage debutant in Beau McDonald, a stringbean ruckman from Swan Districts.
North started well enough and clearly felt confident in electing to play Carey at CHB again. Sholl and McKernan both marked and goaled and it looked like the predicted easy Roo win. But Brisbane knuckled down midfield and Johnson snapped a goal, then a special moment for all those who admire Wayne Carey. He marked easily in defence and decided to elbow Lawrence in the face. The ump gave the Brisbane man a free, Lawrence passed to Dion Scott who then got a 50m penalty as Carey verballed the umpire over the decision. Easy goal for the Lions. But Wayne responded by taking a huge grab at the other end and goaling, just 'cause he can, and more goals from Harvey and McKernan on the first siren helped North to a comfortable lead at the first change.
But Brisbane took over in the midfield in the second term, led by Voss with Hart and Chris Scott going well, and Lawrence picked up a bucket of kicks across half-forward. Best of all they had a forward target, Bradshaw was playing up forward again after Northey's inexplicable attempts to turn him into a defender. Nevertheless North were never headed all day, the twin towers of Carey at CHB and McKernan at full forward proving the difference in the end.
Carey finished with 23 kicks and 13 marks in defence, a dominant figure even though his opponent, Dion Scott, managed 3 goals. McKernan kicked 5 goals at full forward and Archer, standing in at CHF, was good too. Shannon Grant was handy with 24 touches and 4 goals and Martyn held Leppitsch to 1 goal, Pike won a few touches against his opponent Voss. Harvey kicked 3 goals. Lion skipper Michael Voss had 32 disposals and the Scott twins, Chris and Brad, were both very good. Shaun Hart battled and Lawrence was busy in attack. Chris Johnson finished with 5 opportunistic goals and Bradshaw kicked 4 goals. "The one good thing about today is that we've set a good standard for ourselves," said Northey. He handed out free pizza. Pagan indulged a phrase rapidly becoming a favourite cliche for coaches this year. "It was just a real hard slog (yawn). Their midfielders got on top and held sway for most of the day."
Port Adelaide 2.3 6.5 8.6 11.7.73 Adelaide 3.4 6.5 7.11 8.16.64
Good win for the Power in a rain-soaked Showdown III - Hunt For Justice. The Crows continue to struggle without a decent key forward. In selection here they dumped Downsborough and Goodwin for Brett James and Picioane. Port made just one initial change, dropping the unfortunate Bode for Roger James. Heuskes was a late withdrawal, replaced by Daniels.
Despite the heavy rain 41,475 packed into Foopall Park, beswathed in plastic bags as umbrellas are banned in Adelaide's premier sporting complex, for some reason. The Camrys got off to a flyer, booting three goals before Port got any. Bickley worked hard in the centre and Rehn was handy up forward, Pittman shaded Primus in the ruck. Eagleton led Port in a comeback and Dickie and Burgoyne were about, helping to square things up by half-time. The Crows got the first goal of the third term but then kicked 5 consecutive behinds in the slippery conditions and a late goal from Chris Naish helped Port grab the lead just before the final change. Adelaide pinched the lead back early in the final term when Jarman set up a goal for Brett James but Port heroically and magnificently (words actually used in the paper) kicked the last three. Danny Morton came off the bench to set up goals for Kingsley and Cummings and Wilson bagged the sealer.
Port won the game through a slightly harder and more effective defence (and a bit more luck up forward). Adam Kingsley was very good again with 30 disposals and lurking forward for 2 goals and Mead was his usual dour self at CHB. Dickie was great on his wing and after quarter time Primus dominated the ruck in conditions which suited him, Pittman departing at quarter time with a calf injury. Lyle and Francis were effective midfielders and Naish useful in attack with 14 kicks and 2 goals. For the Crows the midfield quartet of Ricciuto (28 touches), Bickley (19), McLeod (19, 1 goal) and Koster stood out. Bassett again played well at full back, conceding just one goal to Cummings and Tredrea although the wet helped him. Smart did OK at CHB and Rehn didn't do badly in the ruck although he's not in peak form. Jarman, who battled against Wilson, kicked 2 goals as did James. "We probably didn't play too badly, considering the conditions, but we haven't got the points, which is disappointing," said Blighty. The Crows are now in the same position as this time last year, so I guess he's not overly worried. Cahill displayed his taste for hyperbole. "It was a hard slog (bloody hell!) for both teams and we're relieved we won. It's a magnificent four points, it's worth 500 points to me." Gosh.
Essendon 3.2 4.7 9.9 11.10.76 Fremantle 5.5 8.9 11.11 14.16.100
Ah, saving the best 'til last. Astute punters may have noticed that Fremantle have a good record against Essendon, and that Freo also go alright at Waverley. Or have followed my opinion of the Bombers. Whatever, the Dons struggled here to cope with the speed of the Dockers, their own brittle forward line and a crucial injury to Mark Mercuri, robbing them of desperately needed class. At the selection table the Dons regained Misiti for his first game of the year after a broken jaw pre-season and recalled O'Connor and Doolan, out went Eastaugh, Olarenshaw and Berbakov. Freo dropped Daniel Parker and Koops for Dhurrkay and new player Daniel Hargraves, the former Footscray full forward.
As expected the Bombers jumped out, Caracella set up the opening six-pointer for Blumfield and Lucas goaled after a good mark. Clement opened Fremantle's account and with Dodd and Fletcher doing well in the middle the Dockers surged ahead. Essendon got a taste of what they were in for in the second term when Wills sped forward for a Docker goal, some excellent running by McManus saw him slot one and Chisholm collected the ball on his own defensive 50m, raced off on a 5-bounce run through the centre and rammed it through. McManus starred in the second term with 8 kicks and the Dons received a blow when Mercuri departed with a groin strain. Sheedy re-organised at the start of the second half, sending O'Connor to the forward line and he kicked two quick goals, another from Lucas closed the gap to 8 points. But Clement bobbed up for the Dockers to kick three consecutive goals and keep Fremantle ahead. O'Connor goaled again early in the final term and again the Dons trailed by 8. Gary Dhurrkay came off the bench to fire Freo home, he responded with two excellent goals to defuse the Bombers.
The injury-plagued McManus had a top game for Freo, 18 touches and 2 goals on his half-forward flank, seeing off Calthorpe very early. Bandy pulled down 9 marks shuffling between ruck and half-forward, Mann took 10 grabs and James Clement also took 10 marks and booted another 5 goals which could have been more - he missed 4 too. Whooda thunkit? Dodd, Fletcher and Jess Sinclair, in line for a special award after clouting Worsfold last week, all played very well midfield and Mark Gale had 24 disposals off half-back. Scott Lucas played a lone hand for the Bombers, kicking 6 of his mob's 11 goals from 15 kicks and 8 marks. Lloyd had a shocker, managing just 4 points against Shane Parker. Perhaps missing the presence of Hird. Bewick played well as a rover and Caracella and Blumfield weren't bad. O'Donnell boxed on and Hardwick played OK in defence, managing to quell McManus towards the end. O'Connor kicked 3 goals. Sheedy said "We were a bit undisciplined manning up. They're one of the fastest teams in the AFL and Waverley suits them...But we live in Melbourne and it's four points we should have got." Nesham said "I think we've had bigger wins in Melbourne (eh? - at the casino?). Maybe we've been underestimated by the media over here." Now how could they have done that, after your magnificent 100-point loss at Vic Park and subsequent blowing of a finals spot against the bottom team, Ger?
Cheers, Tim.
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