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.
CROWS ROBBED screamed last Monday's headline in the Adelaide Advertiser, reaction to last week's controversial ending to their game against North. Fair enough, remember their CATS ROBBED headline after the semi-final last year? No? Peter Schwab spent the early week defending his umpires although he wasn't so staunch behind the men in charge of the North/Crows game, who weren't too good at all in that last quarter. Hayden Kennedy had no case to answer for the Eagles/Saints game, McIntosh was clearly caught and any side blowing a 5-goal lead in 10 minutes can't complain. Goal umpires have been ordinary so far, there was clearly one and possibly two mistakes in the Carlton/Melbourne game a few weeks back that cost the Blues, last week Saint Everitt reckoned one his goals in the second quarter "missed by miles", although he backed away from that comment later, and in Saturday nights' game between Essendon and Geelong there was another error which could have cost the Dons. The goal umps tend to play up the theatricals these days, perhaps in response to the AFL heirarchy. A bit annoying but telling which side of a post the ball passes on isn't difficult and shouldn't be gotten wrong. If rugger can have two goal judges for half-a-dozen shots per game, we should have two at each end as well.
Some drug controversy late in the week, Lion Alastair Lynch informed the AFL that some of the medications he's been taking for chronic fatigue syndrome contain banned substances, including a testosterone precursor. The AFL referred the matter to the tribunal, a bit stupid as Lynch has never tested positive for a banned substance and approached the AFL off his own bat, out of concern for the rules. The Lions went mad threatening to sue everybody in sight. The case comes up this week.
Collingwood 6.1 7.4 9.6 12.7.79 Sydney 4.1 10.2 14.6 18.7.115
A match simply summarised - Lockett ten, Rocca none. Big Plugger was back for the visitors, although his "flu" of last week was more likely a left knee problem as it was heavily strapped and Plug was limping badly by the end. Eade laughed it off afterwards, although if Lockett is stuffed by September it mightn't be so funny. Sydney also regained Brad Seymour and called up O'Brien, Kinnear and first-gamer Jarrod Crouch from Norwood. Out went the injured Orchard and Barry; Cook, Green and Arnott were dropped. Licuria came in as a late replacement for Roos. Same 22 as last week for the Pies, Sav got off his striking charge - the reverse-angle video was kind.
Collingwood powered away at the start, Buckley dominated in the centre and while Rocca was stopped by Dunkley, Shane Watson bagged three goals in the opening term and Williams was busy. Lockett kicked Sydney's first but it was ex-Pie Ahmat who kept them in it with two early goals from Pie turnovers. Things changed in the second quarter. Jon Stevens came off Sydney's bench to quell Buckley, Stafford got on top of Monkorst and Maxfield pressured the Maggies' defence with his pace and long kicking. The speed at which the Swans moved the ball was impressive. But most of all it was Lockett, who made a mockery of Mark Richardson (who hasn't?) with his nicely-timed leads and accurate kicks. It wasn't long before Richardson was replaced by regular full back Michael. He didn't fare much better as the Pies also moved Rocca into the ruck and clogged their defence. Crosisca kicked their only goal of the quarter as the half-time siren sounded. Collingwood's Fuller roved for a nice goal early in the third but Lockett responded with a brace of goals after perfect passes from Ahmat and Mooney. The Maggies had no key forward, Watson seemed to be doubling as CHF and spearhead and there's no way he could outmark three taller blokes. Rocca's first mark of the night was an uncontested chesty on his team's defensive 50m line. The G rang to the sarcastic cheers of Sav's alleged fans, music to the ears of non-Pies everywhere. Other Swans kicked goals, a lovely effort from Nicks led to major for Schwass and later Nicks dobbed one himself, separated by a goal for Watson from a free. The Magpies had one last crack, restoring Rocca to full forward and kicking three of the first four goals of the final quarter. When Buckley converted following an excellent mark they trailed by 18 points. But then Maxfield created Lockett's 8th and Buckley missed the Maggie's last chance, Eade sent Schwass to bolster his backline. Hopalong Plugger rubbed it in with two late majors.
Lockett finished with 10.1. Ruckman Stafford was a catalyst, Maxfield (21 kicks) and Kelly (29 touches, a goal) were very good and Stevens did a solid job against Buckley. Impressive performance from young Saddington on the wing who took some strong marks. O'Loughlin kicked 3 goals and was particularly good in the last quarter. Dunkley fixed Sav early and went on to play well, Nicks was good too. Ahmat kicked 2 goals. Buckley (30 disposals, 2 goals) was probably Collingwood's best although he didn't do much in the middle quarters, Patterson tried hard and effectively tagged Cresswell, Crosisca and Crow ran themselves ragged to keep the ball moving. Watson finished with 4 goals and Fuller got two. Shaw refuted the idea that Collingwood had been exposed in key positions. "We let them back in the first quarter by having goals kicked on turnovers...our own use of the ball destroyed us in the first quarter when we...should have been five up. We got away with it last week and today it was disastrous." Eade said "Collingwood jumped us, but I was pleased that it didn't take until quarter time for us to bounce back." He foreshadowed a September return on the AFL's heavy investment in his club. "I think we have improved since 1996."
Fremantle 0.2 4.4 4.5 8.9.57 Hawthorn 6.1 8.5 14.6 15.9.99
Fremantle arrived? In Geraldton, maybe. Or Eucla. Their hot-and-cold forwards have been lost in transit. Very good win for the Hawks who lost Dunstall early with an injury to his right knee - that's the 'good' one. The Dockers made five alterations from last week, four forced with injuries to McManus (season), McGovern, Harding and late withdrawal O'Reilly with a hammy, Dan Parker was axed. Chisholm returned along with Toia, Leach and Andrew Jones, Feddema replaced O'Reilly. The Hawks dropped Chapman to make room for Graham, back from suspension.
All Hawks in the opening quarter as they slaughtered Freo across the centre, the under-rated Richard Taylor bored in and Crawford and Harford saw plenty of the ball too while Woods tagged Callaghan. Dunstall, Chick and Dixon did the business in attack, Dunstall proving too good for Shane Parker and booting 3 first-term goals. Late in the quarter Parker was replaced by Jones, who immediately engaged in some shadow boxing with the Hawk spearhead and Dunstall was reported. Jase's big night ended early in the second, but the Hawks went on their way, Tallis to the fore. Nineteen minutes in Dhurrkay finally opened the Dockers' account and it precipitated a brief spell of Freo ascendency, Mann and Waterhouse goaling. But the Hawks carried on in the third, Holland doing well while Barker and Croad came off the bench to slot some goals. It was over at the final break and the Hawkers eased off to allow Fremantle some consolation - after 18 marks last week, Burton took his first mark of the day and converted.
Hawthorn's heroes were their intense and skilled midfielders - Crawford (21 touches, a goal), Taylor (31 disposals, 1 goal), Tallis (23 touches) and Lord (25 dissposals). Woods stopped Callaghan and Harford was useful. Salmon prevented Burton dominating the air and up front Dixon (3 goals), Holland and Chick (2 each) finished off. Defender Jones was probably the home teams' best, back flankers Gale and Kickett weren't bad and Norrish (27 disposals) and Sinclair (18) carried the can midfield. Dhurrkay and Mann finished with 2 goals each. "There's no instruction from us to fiddle with the ball and go sideways," said a frustrated Neesham. "They've done it for two weeks and we're struggling, it's indicative of guys who have lost confidence." Judge said "People made a lot of our fade-outs, but when we won a couple of weeks ago I felt it wouldn't be a problem again."
St. Kilda 3.3 7.10 8.10 11.16.82 Brisbane 6.4 6.6 13.7 15.9.99
Great breakthrough victory for the Lions, at last getting towards full strength. The Saints suffered 'Subiaco hangover'. St. Kilda seemed stronger on paper with Loewe, Burke and Hall returning at the expense of Cook, Ben Thompson and Traianidis. Brisbane were certainly strengthened with Leppitsch and Dion Scott returning after suspension, Trask came back and Jarrod Molloy played his first game since a knee reconstruction last year. Out went Champion, suspended for charging Bowden last week, McDonald with an injury and Power and Black were omitted.
Despite starting against a stiff breeze the Saints picked up from last week. Healy banged a long goal and Aussi Jones capped off a 3-bounce run with a major. But soon the Lions capitalised on the wind, led by Molloy. He attacks the ball harder than any other forward in the AFL, it must gladden the hearts of old Roy supporters. Molloy created the Lions' first goal, for Brad Scott, then bagged three himself including a freakish scissor-kick volley while lying on the ground. Both he and opponent Hudghton had a giggle about it, but Max was moved before quarter-time. The Saints appeared to regain control with the wind in the second term, Harvey lifted for 12 disposals in the quarter and he also kicked a goal, Lappin set one up for Beveridge and Loewe snapped a major after grabbing the ball from a ruck contest. But Stakilda couldn't take a mark in attack with Lions Kennedy and Dickfos doing well. Molloy kicked two more goals to start the second half, 'Big Carl' Everitt briefly restored the Saints' lead but then Brisbane veteran Shaun Hart broke the game open. Often a figure of fun with his basic skills and bike helmet, Hart booted three consecutive goals. Saint Heatley, facing a spell in the twos, wasted a golden opportunity and the Lions entered the final term 5 goals ahead. Heatley got on target early in the last quarter before Molloy dobbed the sealer. The Lions were led off by an emotional Alastair Lynch.
Molloy finished with 6 goals from his 9 kicks, just one mark though in the wind. Hart, directly opposed to Harvey, had 37 disposals to go with his game-breaking 3 goals and other Brisbane midfielders ran hard to use Waverley's space, including Brad Scott, Lawrence, Lappin and rookie Hilton (15 touches). Kennedy had 21 disposals and took 6 marks at CHB, stopping Loewe who appeared proppy. Akermanis collected 2 goals. Rob Harvey had a mammoth 39 possessions in the centre for St. Kilda but found few targets amongst his lethargic teammates. Winmar, revelling on a half-back flank this year, had 35 disposals and Jones and Burke played well. Everitt won the ruck handsomely and took 8 marks, but kicked 1.3 and the Saints needed 10 players to kick their 11 goals, Heatley kicking 2 in the last term. Alves spoke in a code which meant "we played like lairs": "Early in the game we looked good, then we started to invent things. When we were pretty basic, we did the right things." Northey said "The last quarter was a worry because you're thinking of the second quarter, which was ordinary...we worked very hard after half-time and finished up with a win that I believe we haven't had here since '94-95 or something". Actually round 19, 1994 Swoop.
Carlton 3.5 8.7 10.8 11.10.76 Port Adelaide 4.5 10.6 19.8 25.15.165
Confirmation that this is the worst Carlton side for 30 years. Port were fantastic but the Blues played horribly, their normally solid defence outgunned by Port's teenage forwards whose combined AFL games can be counted on one hand. And they were loudly abused by their own fans both at 3/4 time and after the final siren - at least by those who'd stayed until then. Parkin said "I can't think of a more disappointing day..." The disappointment started on Thursday night when Full Back Of The Century announced on TV that he wouldn't be playing, only to see his name slotted in at full back a half-hour later. "Err...I've a fitness test tomorrow", he said. He didn't play.
Also out were Brown, two weeks for hitting Russell, Beaumont with an ankle and Anstey dropped, later McKay withdrew with injury. In came Clape, Nelson and two debutants, draftee rover Trent Hoppner from Preston and Damien Lang, who played a few games with Sydney a couple of years ago. Port were unchanged.
Early signs were good for Carlton. Port's Primus, statistically the best tap-ruckman in the league, went off in the opening minutes with a knee and was soon joined by teammate Mead, concussed in a collision. The Blues found a way to goal through Pearce and Whitnall, while Ratten had the ball on a string. Josh Francou fired the Power into action with two goals and Port had kicked five straight when teenage full forward Warren Tredrea and Breuer opened the scoring in the second quarter. Wanganeen and Wilson got on top in the centre and Stevens, in his second game, was giving Koutoufides an absolute hiding on the wing. After Tredrea goaled again poor ol' Peter Dean was dragged, but the Blues stayed in touch thanks mainly to the efforts of Camporeale, assisted by Porter, Pearce and Whitnall, who all goaled from good leads. Port took a handy lead into the long break when Tredrea and Lockwood goaled. When the stoppage ended, Port unloaded. Tredrea kicked things off with 2 more goals, joined by Lockwood and Evans, all 4 majors coming from strong pack marks. Porter was off with a shoulder strain but Carlton rallied briefly mid-quarter with goals from Camporeale and Pearce, the latter created by rare Koutoufides kick. A stupid and cowardly act by Allan saw the Pooer back scoring, the Blue ruckman crashed deliberately late into little Bond's back as he marked and conceded 50m, Bond's kick was marked by Tredrea again - goal. Eagleton streaked away from the next bounce for a running left-foot slot and Danny Morton finished the quarter with two majors, the second an audacious running, left-foot checkside. The Blues rolled over in the last as Port players queued up to kick sausages, Tredrea got one more before dislocating his kneecap - not the finish he'd planned, but it should only be a few weeks out.
Tredrea was outstanding, booting 8 goals from 16 marks, a terrific effort. Ruckman Lade shaded the Carlton pair with 20 disposals and 15 marks as a link-man, Wanganeen, Lyle and Wilson won across the middle. Stevens finished with 26 disposals, 12 marks and goal on the woeful Kouta. Bond and Kingsley ran effectively from defence. Teenage forwards Lockwood (3 goals) and Eagleton (2 goals) were handy, Morton and Francou also kicked 3 each. Scott Camporeale (27 touches, 2 goals) was Carlton's best again, his skill showing out amongst his team's terrible disposal. Pearce was good too, kicking 5 goals, Ratten and Lock played well and Sexton won kudos for beating Poole - that's not hard. Parkin declared himself "comfortable" with his board - who'd want his job? "We came with an expectation that we were a chance and, despite losing a couple of critical players, it was the first time in my memory that our back half was obliterated." Cahill said "that was close to our best win...to score the way we scored and with the fluency, it was good. With a young team you're up and down, we're trying to fast-track them mentally and we'd like to make the finals." Fair chance of that, and stick it to dopey critics who predicted a poor year for Port.
Essendon 3.0 6.0 7.1 11.4.70 Geelong 2.1 5.4 9.7 12.7.79
Essendon coach Kev Sheedy continues to see something positive in every circumstance - "You know, those Italian mudslides will lead to vastly improved treatment for soil ingestion." Well, he might have said that. Last week Channel Seven's Drew Morphett suggested this game would be first goal the winner and it just about like that. The Bombers had Mercuri back and dropped Fraser, O'Donnell was a late withdrawal with 'flu, replaced by Heffernan. Geelong appeared weakened with the losses of Riccardi and Pickering with leg injuries, Hamish Simpson and Milburn were axed. In came Lynch, Snell, Bizzell and Biddiscombe.
Plenty of midfield huffing and puffing in midfield with little goalmouth action. Bewick, Denham, Caracella and Misiti racked up possessions for the Bombers while Sholl, Sanderson and Kilpatrick did likewise for the Cats. Stoneham and Spinks were threatening early for Geelong but the Dons' exemplary accuracy kept them ahead, Lloyd and Lucas busy in the Dons' attack with two goals each in the first half. Spinks and Fletcher had a curious battle, the Essendon full back got a bit of the ball in the first half but didn't stop his opponent, who had 3 goals to half time. Geelong's Barnes dribbled a flukey Daicosian goal just before half time to cut Essendon's lead to 2 points and the Cats won it in the third term. Snell put Geelong ahead in the first minute of the quarter and the Cats gained control at the back, Graham stopping Lloyd who became frustrated and was reported for punching the Geelong full back. Mensch lifted as a 'follower' and Burns got the ball in attack. Colbert drifted forward from CHB to set up two goals for Spinks. Snell kicked the first goal of the last term and there appeared no obvious way back for the Bombers, they exerted some pressure and the Cats helped them by packing almost their entire side into the defensive 50m. Eventually Moorcroft snapped a major but it was answered immediately by Sholl. Further Don pressure locked the ball in their forward line and when they scrambled three consecutive goals, from Solomon, the excellent Mercuri and a soccer from Fletcher, the Cats' lead was cut to 4 points. Lloyd took a rare mark at CHF and handballed to the running Blumfield, whose wobbly kick went down the throat of Cat defender Mansfield. Spinks took a crucial mark in the centre and the ball went down to Geelong's goalsquare where Snell allegedly soccered a goal from a pack - however the Essendon defenders protested vigorously and TV replays showed the ball came off their Hardwick's shin. Essendon didn't manage another goal but clean possession from the kick-in might have been handy.
Geelong's rebounding defenders led the way, Tim McGrath had 21 possessions and full back Graham finished with 16 kicks, 7 in the last quarter. Brad Sholl had 21 possessions and kicked a goal, Colbert also did well. Kilpatrick, outnumbered midfield, contributed with 19 disposals. Spinks booted 5 goals, his size worrying the Bomber defence, Snell was credited with 3 goals (really 2) and Barnes played well again, he kicked 2 goals. Mercuri was the Dons' best, 21 disposals and 2 goals. Lucas was dangerous early but faded, his long left-foot kicks bringing 2 goals amongst his 17 touches. Misiti (30 possessions), Denham (29) and Caracella (24) played well at ground level (I hate that phrase). Lloyd also kicked 2 goals. Sheeds said "I haven't come to any desperation yet...tonight in the last quarter we looked a very exciting unit, we showed some excitement and passion." Ahh, Kev. His Geelong counterpart said "Our midfield was decimated, you lose Pickering, Hocking and Riccardi...the guys were very good tonight, Essendon threw everything at them and they stood tall..."
Adelaide 5.6 6.8 9.12 11.13.79 West Coast 2.2 4.3 5.7 10.11.71
Both coaches were unimpressed with their men as the Camrys slogged to victory, surviving a late Eagle goalrush. This was the Eagles' fourth straight loss, their longest losing streak under Malthouse. In selection the Crows regained Bond but Jameson withdrew as his wife gave birth, Picioane the late replacement. West Coast lost Heady with an ankle injury and Symmons with 'flu, Braun and Fewster returned.
The locals commenced with a stiff breeze and with Rehn giving first use they scooted away early, Jarman proving a handful at full forward with 2 early goals while McLeod took advantage of the wind to sink a long kick. West Coast's defenders sent the ball forward in the second term but they didn't get much from their forwards, Camry Caven stuck close by Gehrig and Donnelly, the other goalkicker last week, had an absolute shocker. In the third term young Cow Andrew Eccles continued to show his ability, kicking a pair of goals against McIntosh despite conceding height to the Eagle, while Ricciuto and Connell were winning kicks. The Crows lead by a comfortable 29 points with 9 minutes left, but suddenly the Eagles stacked on some late goals as Peter Matera led a charge. Kemp, Cousins and Read goaled in rapid successiomn but it was too late and they missed a number of shots at the death.
Rehn had another stand-out game for Adelaide, 26 possessions and 7 marks as he ran all over Foopall Park to support and drive his team. Ricciuto had his best game so far with 26 quality possessions in the centre and Connell got plenty of the ball while beating Pete Matera. As usual the Crows' half-back line was the source of attack, McLeod (2 goals), Ben Hart and Smart getting the ball often. Caven kept Gehrig goalless with just 6 marks (he averages 12 per game). Eccles kicked 4 classy goals, Jarman pocketed 3. Jakovich was the Eagles' best with 25 disposals and 6 marks at CHB, Waterman (30 touches) and McIntosh also played well at the back. Cousins and Morrison strived to put the score on the board for the Eags, each kicked 2 goals and Metropolis was a handy link-man with 16 disposals. Malthouse weren't impressed. "We were dreadful in the first half, but I think you're only dreadful because your opponent makes you dreadful. We played very ordinary football." He described the Eagles' problems as being born out of the experience gap between their oldest and youngest players and said that players like Gardiner, Braun, Cousins and Morrison would "get better playing against quality like the Crows." Mal Blight wasn't so happy either. "The whole day, other than the last 10 minutes, was pretty good. It was an important toss to win. It took us a while to get going, but it gave us impetus on the scoreboard..." Asked about the flag defence Mal said "We're miles from that..all we can do this year is is be competitive and try to improve...we've struggled in the forward line area."
Richmond 4.3 5.5 5.9 13.13.91 Melbourne 1.1 3.3 6.7 7.7.49
Hope I don't fall asleep typing this report, I nearly did watching the first three terrible quarters of this game before the Tiges awoke and powered away from the tired Demons, probably weighed down by all the SCG mud they picked up last Sunday. Still, must be positive like Sheeds. Very disciplined performance by Richmond who continued their zany alternating win-loss pattern. Melbourne shouldn't worry, it was one of those days. At selection Richmond ended Paul Broderick's run of 131 consecutive games by dropping him - harsh but fair - while Bulluss missed with a foot injury and Rombotis with bruised ribs. In came Evans, Manfield and new player Andrew Kellaway, brother of Duncan. Melbourne lost Tingay with yet another hamstring and Matt Febey with a calf strain, Lamaro was dropped. Replacements were Jim Stynes, Brown and Shaun Smith.
Richmond afforded the Demons a healthy amount of respect, beginning with 18 taggers. They got plenty from loose defenders Harrison and Campbell while Knights began well on a half-back flank, despite the attentions of Leoncelli. It was 8 minutes before there was any score at all, Schwarz fisting a throw-in through for a behind for Melbourne. Believe me, that was a highlight. Schwarz kicked the first goal but the umpires, perhaps bored, livened the Tigers up with a couple of goals from frees to Manfield and Daffy and Richardson led, marked and goaled just before quarter time. Richo repeated the dose early in the second but the Dees decided to close the game down even more. Stynes replaced White in the ruck and they edged close on half-time, Lyon escaped from Andrew Kellaway to snap a goal and James McDonald goaled from a free just before the long break. Still tight in the third, Richmond squandered some chances with Merenda and Bowden missing from directly in front. Melbourne found alternatives with their key forwards completely blanketed, Stephen Febey and Johnstone came up with running goals and late-on Farmer finally shook off Torney to race in to an open goal and blast the Dees ahead. Richmond moved Knights onto the ball for the final term and he gained some early centre clearances. The enthusiastic Ben Holland snapped a couple out on the full and Merenda missed again, but finally Bowden kicked straight from a set shot and after a ridiculously slow and complex build-up Richardson steered a scarcely believeable running shot through. Daffy and Powell added more goals and suddenly the Tiges seemed home with a 4-goal buffer. Yze pulled one back but then young Proctor snapped a sausage and Richmond were home. Nice to see the injury-plagued Evans come on and kick two late goals for the Tigers.
Richmond's intense defenders won the day, holding the much-touted Melbourne forwards to just one collective mark inside their attacking 50m. Gaspar outplayed Schwarz, Andy Kellaway, a dead-ringer for his brother, had Lyon benched at 3/4 time and Turner had an outstanding game at full back, seeing off Smith, White, Stynes and Robertson. Torney held Farmer to 5 kicks and 1 goal. Knights used the ball superbly as always with 28 disposals and Rogers played well with 21 kicks, Daffy (2 goals) was about despite Hopgood's tag and Campbell and Harrison ( 2 goals) were good. Richardson kicked 3 goals. The paper reckons Yze was Melbourne's best but his poor kicking and penchant for standing in open space made him a mixed blessing. He had 25 disposals and a goal, Viney struggled manfully in packs in his 200th game with 23 touches. Anthony McDonald was impressive midfield and Rigoni and Stynes also handy about the middle, Leoncelli won 15 kicks against Knights. Shanahan did well at full back and fellow key defender Ingerson weren't bad. But they couldn't kick a goal, using seven goalscorers. "We were four points up at 3/4 time and we had a lot to play for with Toddy's 200th (Toddy?), so it was very disappointing to fade out," said Daniher. "The boys were flat...we had a tough game in Sydney and, in retrospect, did too much on the track." Fair enough. Gieschen said "To win by seven goals against Melbourne, the way they've been playing, was fantastic...we thought we might scramble across the line by a goal or two...we never expected that." Bet those Crows are trembling...
Footscray 2.3 6.8 8.13 16.15.111 North Melbourne 4.0 5.3 10.7 12.11.83
The Bulldogs continue to prove that they're one of the best around, surviving a typical North charge to record an excellent win. That fact that Paul Hudson led the late surge may give some pause, but it was the powerful Doggie midfielders that won the day. In selection Footscray regained Chris Grant after suspension and gave Contessa a go, Minton-Connell and Cox were dumped. North lost Capuano with a groin strain and axed Cochrane and Mellington, David King returned from injury and Rock from suspension, Daniel Stevens also got a chance.
North started with a breeze and an unsubtle forward line of Carey, McKernan, Hewitt and Sholl. Carey started in explosive fashion for the Roos, booting three goals against Croft in the first quarter and McKernan got another. Grant and King drove the Kangas forward. But in the second term those tireless Bulldog labourers West and Romero began to win the ball midfield, Johnson joined in and stand-in full forward Southern kicked some goals while Croft, left on Carey, started to win his battle. Their Grant also proved a handful for Martyn. Strange Mick didn¹t resort to his usual tactic of punching his oppoenent in the head. Perhaps he can only get away with it against lower-profile players. Into the second half and Wynd tapped beautifully in the ruck as the Puppies eased 2 goals clear, but then came the North charge. Anthony Stevens sent the ball forward where Carey, McKernan and Abraham kicked a stream of goals to put North in front. Early in the last stanza Archer crashed a pack apart, Abraham swept up the crumb and snapped a goal to put North 13 points clear. A lesser team may have folded, but Footscray's Montgomery got the next goal and then on from the bench came noted champion Hudson. He kicked three consecutive goals and Montgomery joined in with another, Grant and Smith sealed a memorable victory.
The Dogs ran North ragged, the Roos have looked mighty vulnerable so far against teams with a bit of pace prepared to run. Scott "Brownlow" West had 32 disposals - 16 of each - while Romero got the ball 36 times. That's a lot. Teenager Brown was also good with 21 touches. Croft did admirably on Carey after quarter time. Chris Grant finished with 8 marks and 4 goals in a solid display at CHF while Hudson, Montgomery and Southern eack kicked 3 goals. North's Grant was also pretty good with 23 possessions and Anthony Stevens battled against the pack of Dog rovers with 24 kicks and a goal. Archer threw his bulk about, at one stage almost killing Romero in a tackle, King made a good return and Pagan declared himself happy with Martyn's game because Grant "is a champion". Carey kicked 4 goals but was forced further afield as the game progressed, Abraham and McKernan got two each. Bulldog coach Terry Wallace said "We considered it an eight-point game"..."Terry's a good mathematician," said Pagan.
Cheers, Tim.
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